The Obama Presidential Center Museum in Chicago (opening June 2026) features over 28 commissioned art installations. Nearly all of the art pieces are outside or in areas that are free to the public during operating hours.
Carrie Mae Weems‘ “The Cool Blue Wind” is a photographic collage printed and framed at Laumont on silver metallic paper accompanied by original music. The images reference Obama’s historic 2008 presidential victory and the freedom found in the organized improvisational nature of jazz music. On view in the Museum in the Sky Room Vista.
Each custom print was mounted and fit into custom maple wood frames painted white gold to compliment each print and create a stunning collage display at the Museum.
The black and white images, printed on Photo Rag Metallic paper using Laumont’s suite of Epson printers, were toned blue as a reference to the blues music and artists that often relate to racial segregation, discrimination and other challenges African Americans experience.
The subjects in the collection include vignettes of free expression through playing instruments, protesting, preaching, performing and connecting with community.
Seen in the photo to the right, Weems reviews proofs of each of her images with the imager who makes the edits prior to printing the final prints.
Read more about the artists and artworks via New York Times.
Photos courtesy of Laumont and The Obama Foundation.
