Comments

If you were one of the political junkies who clamored to know what was on President Obama's summer reading list (or even someone who yawned at Obama's relatively "safe" choices) you might be interested to learn about the aesthetic proclivities of the Commander-in-Chief and the First Lady.

The Obamas - like every first family - were given the opportunity to do some redecorating in the private chambers of the White House. This includes the authority to choose new works of art to display in quarters that are off-limits to the general public, such as the living areas and offices.  

Being in-control of the highest office of the land comes with some interesting perks; the Obamas have access to a tantalizing range of deeply important works of art. According to the Huffington Post, "the Obamas have borrowed dozens of works from various Washington museums and galleries, being sure to use only items that weren't already on display."

What's on Obama's "art list"? The Huffington piece says that the Obamas' selections include far more modern and abstract pieces than seen in previous administrations, as well as pieces by contemporary African American and Native American artists. These replace the traditional landscapes and portraits that have dominated the White House walls for generations.

You can find a slideshow of some of their choices here and even vote on your favorite piece. Do you agree with New York art dealer Richard Feigen who deemed the Obamas' list "highly sophisticated"? Or do you think they got it all wrong?