Art has the power to shape culture, challenge perceptions, and spark change. This truth came alive at The Ursula Conversations, a dynamic discussion hosted at The Great Hall of The Cooper Union, where two trailblazing artists, Annie Leibovitz and Amy Sherald, shared their journeys and perspectives. Moderated by Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation, the conversation delved into the transformative potential of art to inspire, provoke, and redefine humanity.

Presented by Ursula, Hauser & Wirth’s quarterly magazine, The Ursula Conversations serves as a platform for groundbreaking dialogue between visionary artists and cultural leaders. Against the backdrop of Leibovitz’s landmark exhibition Stream of Consciousness, this installment brought together audiences to witness the convergence of two extraordinary creative minds.

1. Art as a Catalyst for Change

The conversation began with Darren Walker emphasizing art's ability to challenge conventions and reshape cultural narratives. “Great art invites us to assert our agency over creativity,” Walker noted, highlighting how both Leibovitz and Sherald have redefined what it means to document humanity.

2. Annie Leibovitz’s Journey of Capturing Humanity

Leibovitz, celebrated for her intimate portraits and conceptual storytelling, reflected on her philosophy of capturing the essence of humanity. Her recent exhibition, Stream of Consciousness, exemplified this through a mix of landscapes, still lifes, and portraits, including her poignant depiction of Sherald in her childhood home.

3. Amy Sherald’s Bold Redefinition of Identity

Sherald’s luminous portraits, like her iconic painting of Michelle Obama, redefine American identity by situating Black life within the broader narrative of art. She shared her struggle with market expectations and her vision for a show that explores standalone, conceptual pieces, offering a fresh lens on her evolving creativity.

4. The Tension Between Creativity and Market Demands

Both artists spoke openly about the challenge of navigating the art market while staying true to their artistic vision. Sherald compared the pressure to maintaining a formula, while Leibovitz emphasized the importance of revisiting ideas to tell richer stories through portraiture.

5. Representation and the Power of Collaboration

Representation was a central theme, with both artists celebrated for their ability to highlight the dignity and humanity of their subjects. The discussion concluded on a collaborative note, underscoring art’s capacity to inspire action, foster dialogue, and challenge societal norms.

The conversation between Annie Leibovitz and Amy Sherald at The Ursula Conversations was an inspiring look at the power of art to connect people and tell meaningful stories. From capturing human emotions to exploring identity and representation, their discussion highlighted how creativity can shape culture and encourage new ways of thinking. Both artists showed that art is not just about reflecting the world but also about making us see it in a new light.