Lisson Gallery Artists Jack Pierson and Spencer Finch Create Works for Obama Presidential Center
The Facts
The Obama Presidential Center has commissioned over 28 art installations, including works by Lisson Gallery artists Jack Pierson and Spencer Finch. Pierson's sculpture "HOPE" uses found letters to evoke Americana and echoes President Obama's campaign message. Finch's tile mural "Memory Landscape (Nairobi, Chicago, Honolulu, Jakarta)" features colors personally selected by President Obama, inspired by formative locations. Nearly all artworks are outdoors or in free public areas of the center's campus.
The Signal
The commissions mark a significant institutional milestone for both artists, placing their work within a prominent cultural and political legacy. For collectors, the association with a presidential center enhances the artists' standing and signals continued demand for conceptually engaged public art. The integration of contemporary installations into the Obama Presidential Center reflects a broader trend of presidential libraries embracing ambitious commissioning programs to connect with diverse audiences.
- Artists: Jack Pierson, Spencer Finch
- People: Barack Obama, Michelle Obama
- Galleries: Lisson Gallery
- Museums: Obama Presidential Center
- Locations: Chicago
The Morning Signal · Daily
Get stories like this in your inbox
The art world in one daily email — auctions, openings, and acquisitions from 90+ primary sources, distilled into a five-minute read. Independent — no marketplace, no gallery ads.
Join collectors, dealers & curators
No spam · free every morning · unsubscribe anytime
The Jobs Digest · Weekly
New art-world jobs, every Monday
The Jobs Digest rounds up the week’s new museum, gallery, and auction-house openings — with salary when disclosed. One email a week, unsubscribe anytime.
