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Amy Sherald's American Art

Quiet Beauty

Amy Sherald is perhaps best known for her portraits of former First Lady Michelle Obama and Breonna Taylor, though most of her works defy the traditional definition of portraiture. She chooses individuals who, for her, embody a particular idea or narrative she wants to put forth in the world. Learn more about Sherald’s artistic process and central themes.

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Behind-the-Scenes

Cold Storage, Explained: How SFMOMA Preserves Photographs

Ten Pivotal Political Posters

We asked our resident poster expert, associate curator Joseph Becker, to walk us through a few selections from decades of political action.

Seeing Ghosts

A brief look at the curious business of spirit photography.

 A sepia-toned drawing of hands holding a glass plate with a fern leaf on it.

Watch: Pioneers of Photography

An animated history of the development of photography.

An Interview with Raw Material Mixtape Podcaster-in-Residence Alice Wong

Learn about activist, writer, mischief- and media-maker, and self-described “cyborg oracle” Alice Wong.

Take a Look: Black Panther Newspaper Illustrations

Discover the accessible and provocative visual language Emory Douglas pioneered for the Black Panther newspaper.

Celebrating Artist Joan Brown by Plunging into the San Francisco Bay

Over sixty swimmers participated in SFMOMA’s Joan Brown Jump and Swim honoring the beloved Bay Area artist.

Explore

A black and white sketch illustration of a human leaning down towards a flower, all drawn over a blue background.

Open Space

Visit the archive for Open Space (2008–2021), SFMOMA’s publishing platform for artists, writers, community members et al.

 White text Proyecto Mission Murals over a detail shot of the mural Para el Mercado.

Digital Publications

Dive into the museum’s digital publications, featuring original research, curatorial perspectives, and more.

Meditations on the Collection

Artwork by Gego (Gertrud Goldschmidt), Columna (Column) 7l/9.
essays
Gego (Gertrud Goldschmidt), Reticulárea cuadrada, 1971
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Rebecca Belmore, Tarpaulin No. 1, 2018
The Hand That Holds the Rod
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Illusion and Fantasy in Sigmar Polke’s Untitled (2003)
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Grace McCann Morley and the Modern Museum
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Interactives

Art of Noise Sound Memory Matching Game
SFMOMA's Countdown to 2024 Calendar
Two mini pumpkins, both on the ground, with the smaller of the two resting diagonally on the other.
Winners of the 2023 SFMOMA Annual Pumpkin Contest
A blue background with white bowls, Boursier-Mougenot Soundtracks
Just for Fun: Match the Sound to the Artwork
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