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Obama: Black and White Dream
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Obama: Black and White Dream
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Obama: Black and White Dream

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.689503
Object Type Painting
Artist (Canadian, 1953)
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium wood, paint, metal, ink, paper, varnish, adhesive
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 50 1/8 in x W 74 1/4 in x D 2 1/2 in (127.3 cm x 188.6 cm x 6.4 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionFramed abstract painted collage consisting of three panels mounted together. The panels have rectangular patches with different patterns in blue, red, pink, black, and white. Painted on the leftmost panel is the outline of President Barack Obama's face in side profile. There are several words painted in the center of the right and left panels including "Black," "Dream," "Power," and several French words. A photograph of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on newsprint and a newspaper clipping referencing Barack Obama are incorporated into the right panel, along with small pieces of paper with printed patterns. The artwork is float-mounted in a black frame.
Inscriptions and MarkingsInscribed on reverse of the left panel: [encircled 1] Lionel Jules (Leylo) "Obama: Black & White dream" 48x72 [artist's signature] 2008 Inscribed on reverse of the center panel: Lionel Jules (Leylo) "Obama: Black & White dream" 2008 48x72 [encircled 2] [artist's signature] Inscribed on reverse of the right panel: "OBAMA: BLACK & White Dream" 2008 48x72 [artist's signature] Inscribed on bottom of right panel: Leonel Jules Carré plastique 004 48 x 48 [artist's signature]
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
National Archives Catalog CollectionBarack Obama Artifact Collection (National Archives Identifier 63542091)
National Archives Catalog SeriesDomestic Gifts (National Archives Identifier 66540613)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Barack Obama Presidential Library. The Barack Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62
In Collection(s)
Not on view