Pilgrimage of the Chameleon 2016

"Pilgrimage of the Chameleon" (2016) by American painter Amy Sherald, depicts a young Black man standing against a light blue backdrop holding a cluster of colorful balloons. The subject wears a dark blue coat with brown fur, a white dress shirt, and brown pants. The man's face is rendered in Sherald's signature style, using a flat, gray tone that evokes the look of a vintage photograph. The work's title alludes to the man's journey and transformation, highlighting the complex and nuanced experiences of Black people in America. Sherald's contemporary realist paintings often explore themes of identity, representation, and social justice, captivating audiences with their striking visual language and evocative themes.