Skip to main content
I Never Gave Her Avocados
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
I Never Gave Her Avocados
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

I Never Gave Her Avocados

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.693419
Object Type Painting
Intended Recipient (American, 1998)
Intended Recipient (American, 2001)
Date 2009
Medium paint (acrylic), paper, adhesive, wood, metal, ink
DimensionsOverall - 3D H 14 in x W 11 in x D 3/4 in (35.6 cm x 27.9 cm x 1.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionPainting on stretched canvas depicting the interior of a room beside an open window with a red bird in the center perched on a branch atop a tablecloth with an open avocado to the left and a blue egg beneath the bird. The window in the painting shows a starry night and full moon. Prose is painted in the top left of the work. The bird is textured due to being mixed media.
Inscriptions and MarkingsProse inscribed in upper left of obverse: I never gave her avocados never put her in a cage I open my window she comes and lays her egg Inscribed in lower right of obverse: [artist's signature] 2009 Inscribed on reverse: Acrylic + Collage on Canvas [Phone number] I never gave her avocados 2009 [artist's signature] Poem + Painting
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to Malia and Sasha 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 Obama Presidential Library. The 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
Related Links