A new art exhibit featuring portraits of all 47 American presidencies [1] is now on display at the Goldman Sachs global headquarters in New York City [1].
The installation aims to address a gap in historical literacy by connecting citizens with the visual identities of the nation's leaders. Organizers said that many people struggle to recognize the faces of the individuals who shaped the country.
Salvatore Catalano created the exhibit, which pairs each portrait with a quote from the specific president or the era in which they served [1, 2]. The collection represents 47 presidencies [1], though these were held by 45 different men [1].
Catalano said, "Most Americans can't name the presidents, much less tell you what they look like" [1].
The exhibit is situated in the lobby of the corporate headquarters to ensure high visibility for visitors and employees. By combining visual art with historical text, the display seeks to bring the lineage of the U.S. executive branch to life [2].
Supporters of the project said the role of art in memory is important. One source said, "portraits are very important" [2] for maintaining a connection to the past.
The timing of the exhibit coincides with broader efforts to celebrate the history of the United States. By centering the portraits in a public-facing corporate space, the exhibit moves historical education out of museums and into the daily flow of the city's financial district.
“"Most Americans can't name the presidents, much less tell you what they look like"”
The placement of a historical educational exhibit within a private financial institution reflects a trend of corporate sponsorship of public history. By focusing on the visual recognition of the 47 presidencies, the project highlights a perceived decline in basic historical knowledge among the general public.
