The official presidential portraits of Barack and Michelle Obama, unveiled in 2018 at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, immediately became a cultural sensation. Painted by Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald respectively, the portraits broke tradition with their vibrant colors and contemporary style—Barack depicted seated within lush green foliage and Michelle in a striking patterned dress against a blue background. The internet quickly transformed these artistic landmarks into memes, specifically targeting Barack’s 'hidden in the bushes' aesthetic (often compared to Homer Simpson) and the stylized depiction of Michelle. They are frequently used to represent social comparisons, different moods, or simply to place other pop-culture figures into a high-art setting.