‘All we can do is fight’Pakistan must play a balancing game A warm breeze swept through Islamabad as news spread: Donald Trump has won the US election and was heading back to the White House. His return brought a mix of excitement and worry. Pakistan still remembered Trump’s first term, a time of tense relations, unpredictable decisions, and difficult negotiations. The relationship often felt unstable, like navigating a risky deal. But this time, could Pakistan see Trump’s presidency as a chance rather than a problem? With his “ America First ” policies and unexpected moves, Trump is likely to shake up the world once again. However, this could also give Pakistan an opportunity to find its place in the changing global order and build a stronger strategy. Pakistan can learn from past lessons and confidently navigate the future. By being proactive and planning, Pakistan can safeguard its interests and take charge of shaping its future. Let’s explore some possibilities. Let’s start by reviewing some key lessons from the past; Pakistan’s primary concern and a lesson during Donald Trump’s first term was relying too heavily on its security relationship with the USA, focusing almost exclusively on military ties. This narrow approach left Islamabad vulnerable when Trump shifted his attention to cutting foreign aid and prioritizing his “America First” agenda. When Trump suspended $300 m illion security aid to Pakistan in 2018, it was a wake-up call about the fragility of our reliance on military ties alone. Another key lesson was Pakistan’s lack of engagement with US institutions outside the White House. When Trump suspended security aid in 2018, it became clear that Pakistan had underestimated the role of Congress and think tanks in shaping foreign policy. While Pakistan focused on the White House, it largely ignored Congress, which holds power over aid allocations, creating a gap in understanding and influence, especially during the moments of tension. To avoid these past inconveniences, Pakistan should shift its focus beyond defense and prioritize economic diplomacy, building stronger ties with US businesses, innovation sectors, and trade representatives. Pakistan also needs to understand that the key to a more robust US-Pakistan relationship lies in diversification. Engaging with Congress, think tanks, and even the US public is critical. By broadening its diplomatic approach, Pakistan can ensure a more resilient presence in US policy debates, regardless of who holds the presidency. In short, to thrive under a second Trump Administration, Pakistan must move beyond a one-dimensional relationship with the USA and adopt a multi-faceted diplomatic strategy that considers the broader geopolitical dynamics. With countries like India gaining more support to counter China’s rise, Pakistan faces the challenge of balancing its relationships with both the USA and China. By engaging with the full spectrum of US political and economic life while navigating global power shifts, Pakistan can establish a resilient, long-term diplomatic approach. Furthermore, with Trump’s return to the White House, Pakistan is likely to face more challenges. Imagine standing at the crossroads of two colossal forces, the USA and China, each pulling in opposite directions. Under Trump’s previous leadership, the USA took a firm stance against China, and his next Administration may push for an even sharper divide. This puts Pakistan in a difficult position by balancing its growing economic ties with China and its long-standing security relationship with the USA. The danger lies in being forced to choose sides, risking isolation from one of the global powers. Though there is no overt demand to choose but covert pressure may exist in future, in which case Pakistan may instead adopt a strategy of neutrality, managing its relationships with both the leading powers to protect its national interest without compromising it. Pakistan can serve as a bridge, engaging China through projects like CPEC while cooperating with the USA on shared security issues like counterterrorism. By highlighting its strategic importance in regional and global security, Pakistan can remain indispensable to both the nations, potentially avoiding conflict. Considering Trump’s agenda for reshaping global trade, and with protectionism on the rise, Pakistan can no longer rely heavily on US. trade and aid alone. For example, under Trump’s protectionist policies, Pakistan faced a slowdown in textile exports to the USA, while countries like Bangladesh benefited from GSP trade terms. Additionally, US military aid to Pakistan was reduced in 2018. To navigate Trump’s policies, Pakistan must seize this as a key opportunity to shift its economic strategy, building resilience by diversifying trade partnerships and reducing dependence on the U.S. as relying on the US market alone is risky, especially with Trump’s past rigid policies and Agenda 47 of tariffs and isolationist policies. Exploring alternatives like CPEC and RCEP can help Pakistan build resilience against global shifts. Pakistan should diversify its economic partnerships, tapping into opportunities in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Strengthening agriculture, textiles, and investing in technology and green energy can drive growth independent of U.S. influence. More importantly, Pakistan needs to shift from relying on aid to building stronger, more diverse economic partnerships. By forming new trade agreements and aligning with emerging markets, it can secure its economic future and reduce dependence on U.S. policies. Pakistan’s foreign policy needs to be proactive, especially with Trump back in office. Learning from the past, Pakistan needs to develop a broad diplomatic strategy, balance relations with global powers, and diversify its economic ties with other leading countries. Pakistan needs to act quickly and embrace strategic adaptability. It is not enough to simply react to a Trump-led Administration; Pakistan needs to proactively shape its future. To become strong in a turbulent world, Pakistan first needs to be strong at home. The real question is not whether Pakistan can navigate this shift, but whether it is prepared to seize the opportunity for resilience and growth. The time to act is now. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() );
House and cars hit by gunfire in Pitt Meadows shooting Sunday
"Today's vote of support by our shareholders confirms our shared belief that with Rio Tinto, we will be a stronger global leader in lithium chemicals production. Together, we enhance our capabilities to successfully develop and operate our assets while supporting the clean energy transition. We are confident that this transaction will provide future benefit to our customers, employees and the communities in which we operate, and I am excited by the path ahead," said Paul Graves , president and chief executive officer of Arcadium Lithium. The final voting results of Arcadium Lithium's special meetings will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in a Form 8-K and will also be available at https://ir.arcadiumlithium.com . Regulatory Update As of this release, merger control clearance has been satisfied or waived in Australia , Canada , China , the United Kingdom and the United States (Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976). Additionally, investment screening approval has been satisfied in the United Kingdom . The proposed transaction is still expected to close in mid-2025, subject to the receipt of remaining regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. Arcadium Lithium Contacts Investors: Daniel Rosen +1 215 299 6208 [email protected] Phoebe Lee +61 413 557 780 [email protected] Media: Karen Vizental +54 9 114 414 4702 [email protected] About Arcadium Lithium Arcadium Lithium is a leading global lithium chemicals producer committed to safely and responsibly harnessing the power of lithium to improve people's lives and accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. We collaborate with our customers to drive innovation and power a more sustainable world in which lithium enables exciting possibilities for renewable energy, electric transportation and modern life. Arcadium Lithium is vertically integrated, with industry-leading capabilities across lithium extraction processes, including hard-rock mining, conventional brine extraction and direct lithium extraction (DLE), and in lithium chemicals manufacturing for high performance applications. We have operations around the world, with facilities and projects in Argentina , Australia , Canada , China , Japan , the United Kingdom and the United States . For more information, please visit us at www.ArcadiumLithium.com . Important Information and Legal Disclaimer: Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, we have identified forward-looking statements by such words or phrases as "will likely result," "is confident that," "expect," "expects," "should," "could," "may," "will continue to," "believe," "believes," "anticipates," "predicts," "forecasts," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "intends" or similar expressions identifying "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including the negative of those words and phrases. Such forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions regarding future events, future business conditions and the outlook for Arcadium Lithium based on currently available information. There are important factors that could cause Arcadium Lithium's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including the completion of the transaction on anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining required regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other conditions to the completion of the transaction; potential litigation relating to the transaction that could be instituted by or against Arcadium Lithium or its affiliates, directors or officers, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; the risk that disruptions from the transaction will harm Arcadium Lithium's business, including current plans and operations; the ability of Arcadium Lithium to retain and hire key personnel; potential adverse reactions or changes to business or governmental relationships resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction; certain restrictions during the pendency of the transaction that may impact Arcadium Lithium's ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; significant transaction costs associated with the transaction; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the transaction, including in circumstances requiring Arcadium Lithium to pay a termination fee or other expenses; competitive responses to the transaction; the supply and demand in the market for our products as well as pricing for lithium and high-performance lithium compounds; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the integration of the businesses of Livent and Allkem or of any future acquisitions; our ability to acquire or develop additional reserves that are economically viable; the existence, availability and profitability of mineral resources and mineral and ore reserves; the success of our production expansion efforts, research and development efforts and the development of our facilities; our ability to retain existing customers; the competition that we face in our business; the development and adoption of new battery technologies; additional funding or capital that may be required for our operations and expansion plans; political, financial and operational risks that our lithium extraction and production operations, particularly in Argentina , expose us to; physical and other risks that our operations and suppliers are subject to; our ability to satisfy customer qualification processes or customer or government quality standards; global economic conditions, including inflation, fluctuations in the price of energy and certain raw materials; the ability of our joint ventures, affiliated entities and contract manufacturers to operate according to their business plans and to fulfill their obligations; severe weather events and the effects of climate change; extensive and dynamic environmental and other laws and regulations; our ability to obtain and comply with required licenses, permits and other approvals; and other factors described under the caption entitled "Risk Factors" in Arcadium Lithium's 2023 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 29, 2024 , as well as Arcadium Lithium's other SEC filings and public communications. Although Arcadium Lithium believes the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, Arcadium Lithium cannot guarantee future results, level of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover, neither Arcadium Lithium nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Arcadium Lithium is under no duty to update any of these forward-looking statements after the date of this news release to conform its prior statements to actual results or revised expectations . Logo - https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2310012/Arcadium_Lithium_Horizontal_Logo.jpg?p=medium600
Certain retail stocks have faced difficult times recently. While the economy is generally doing well and remains near full employment, multiple years of above-normal inflation and higher interest rates have stressed consumers. Two retail stocks that have been decimated are Target ( TGT 2.81% ) and Dollar General ( DG 1.37% ) . Each is far below its all-time highs, and both appear to trade at bargain valuations. But which stock is the better bargain today? A half-off sale In the chart below, one can see how far each company has fallen. Target began its descent in late 2021 when many stocks related to home goods and other physical items began to feel the post-pandemic hangover. Dollar General then collapsed in early 2022 and has seen its stock fall even further. While each stock traded at a mid-20s price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple at some point during the past few years, both stocks have seen their valuations collapse, even as earnings have declined. DG Percent Off All-Time High data by YCharts . PE Ratio = price-to-earnings ratio. If economic conditions become more favorable, each company could see a big rebound. However, both companies are experiencing similar, though not identical, problems. Can they be overcome? Less money, more problems Though they have slightly different core customer profiles, Target and Dollar General are seeing their customers pull back on spending due to inflation , all while costs are rising. Back in August, Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos noted that 60% of Dollar General's sales come from households making $35,000 or less per year. Vasos elaborated that Dollar General's weakest weeks of the prior quarter were the last weeks of each month. That suggested customers became financially stressed as their monthly budgets ran out. Perhaps related to this stress, management also noted shrink, or theft, was a 21-point headwind to gross margins . So, even though theft has been a problem since the pandemic, Dollar General still saw higher theft relative to last year. Target's most recent disappointing quarter showed similar headwinds. While Target's core customer is more middle-class, CEO Brian Cornell noted that its customers have been "shopping carefully," pouncing on promotions when they happen while only occasionally splurging for "important seasonal moments." On the cost front, Cornell also noted that the company had to spend extra money rerouting inventory to West Coast ports when East Coast dockworkers threatened to go on strike. That added to costs and hurt earnings. On the plus side, Target's shrink problem actually improved, in contrast with Dollar General's. Still, the disappointing results could also mean heightened competition. Competitor Walmart ( WMT 2.32% ) posted a favorable quarter, indicating customers may have strayed from Target for Walmart's generally lower prices. Which company is more likely to fix its problems? Even though Dollar General is down more and trades at a slightly lower P/E ratio, Target appears the safer bet at this point. While Dollar General had been considered resilient in the face of a bad economy or recession, the high-inflation economy appears to be perhaps even more damaging to its core customer than a recession, with shelter and food prices pressuring lower-income Americans in a broad fashion. Meanwhile, Target's customers, while certainly hunting for deals, appear to be a bit more resilient and less likely to resort to theft. The shrink issue continues to be a problem that Dollar General can't quite seem to fix, whereas Target seems to be getting a better handle on things in that regard. And while Target is coming off of a poor quarter, it has also had some good quarters here and there over the past year, with the third quarter's port issues seemingly a one-off phenomenon. Thus, Target has been able to pay down debt faster and lower its debt-to- EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) ratio, while Dollar General's debt ratio has continued to rise: DG Financial Debt to EBITDA (TTM) data by YCharts . EBITDA = earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. TTM = trailing 12 months. While a drastic improvement in the environment or Dollar General's execution could theoretically lead to more upside, Target seems like a safer bet at the moment. Its stock may be worth a look after its recent pullback.It was after one particularly emotional premiere of the new biopic about his life that Robbie Williams resolved he couldn't be “the crying guy” at every screening. “Better Man,” which chronicles the life of Williams, the British pop star and former Take That singer, can hit him differently at different times. Jet lag is a factor. So is who's in the building. One screening with his band, he says, was “healing.” But he's self-conscious enough about all the emotion that he can be defensive about it. “In real life I don’t cry that much,” Williams says and then smiles. “You have a (expletive) biography about you and have the world go, ‘I’ve seen you and heard you’ and come tell me how you deal with it.'” One twist? The Williams heard in “Better Man” is Williams, himself. But the Williams seen in the movie is a computer-generated chimpanzee. Michael Gracey, who directed the 2017 musical hit “The Greatest Showman,” had the novel idea that Williams should get the big-screen biopic treatment, but with a monkey. Relying on Weta's motion capture technology, the actor Jonno Davies stands in for Williams. In “Better Man,” which will open in limited theaters Dec. 25 and expand nationwide Jan. 10, that makes for a compelling spin on the music biopic, partly because it's still a quite R-rated journey through the ups and downs of mega pop stardom. Williams, who met a reporter last month on a stopover in New York, also hopes it will expand his footprint in America, where he's famously less famous than he is in Europe. “If I want to phone Macron, I phone Macron. If I want to phone Keir Starmer, I phone Keir Starmer. If I want to phone Trump, he’s not taking my call," Williams says with a laugh. “Maybe he would, I don’t know.” “Maybe this film moves the needle for me," Williams, 50, adds. "Or if it doesn’t, I’ll do something else.” What both a conversation with Williams and “Better Man” have in common is a frankness about the experience of fame. More than it's a litany of chart-topping successes, “Better Man” is a chronicle of fame-induced trauma, complete with drug addiction and mental breakdown. Williams, now, though, is a reformed bad boy — a family man with four kids with all kinds of plans, like building hotels and buying sports teams. “At the moment," he says, "I have the wide-optimism of a new artist.” AP: Did your identification with monkeys predate “Better Man”? WILLAMS: Well, let me know, in the biography of your life, what animal would play you? AP. I don’t know. A chipmunk? WILLIAMS: I asked my friend this morning, Joey McIntyre, from New Kids on the Block, and he said, “an owl.” And I agreed with him. An owl would be good for him. Did this predate? I guess so, subconsciously. My MO has been cheeky. What’s more cheeky than a cheeky monkey? I’ve been a cheeky monkey all my life. There’s no more cheekier monkey than the coke-snorting, sex-addict monkey that we find in the movie. AP: I’ve never seen a monkey do so much coke. WILLIAMS: Yeah, we’ve seen a bear do a lot of coke but never a monkey. AP: Do you think it's easier for audiences to empathize with a monkey than for you? WILLIAMS: We care for animals more than we care for humans, most of us. I guess there is a removal, as well. It’s very much a human story but if you’re watching it and someone’s playing Robbie Williams, you’re thinking: Does he look like him? Does he act like him? Does he talk like him? AP: As someone who’s been open about difficulties in life, you’re not new to the idea that people don’t have a lot of sympathy for wealthy pop stars. You were probably suffering very human things at a time when people didn’t see you as human. WILLIAMS: I think they have sympathy once you come through the other side and you’re talking about something in the past. Everybody loves a story of redemption. The redemption is: I was this guy who experienced this thing but I’ve endured and overcome it. You throw in a word like “endure,” and I can already hear British people going “(Expletive) you! What did you endure? Knickers being thrown at you.” Dude, I was mentally ill. I still am, but I’m in a good place. I couldn’t derive joy from anything because I was mentally ill. I won a sprinting race with two broken legs. AP: It was that bad? WILLIAMS: Yeah. My story’s not unusual. There’s a boy band documentary that’s going to be on tele in Britain that I’ve taken part in, and everyone’s story is the same. They’ve got the bends. They experienced this thing that warped them and gave them mental breakdowns. I can’t apologize for the truth, and the truth is there’s something about this matrix-bending, washing-machine fame that’s deeply unhealthy. No matter what job you have or what path you choose in life, you spend the second 20 years of your life sorting out the first 20 years. It just so happens I did it in public and told people exactly what was going as it was going on. And still do. AP: When One Direction singer Liam Payne died, you seemed to understand what he might have been going through. WILLIAMS: Here’s the thing: I’m always astonished — may he rest in peace, bless him, beautiful boy — that the entertainment industry isn’t littered with those types of cases, that we can’t point to 30 of them. AP: Fame, as you describe it, would seem clearly unhealthy. But does some part of you need it? WILLIAMS: It’s different now. I (expletive) love it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m 50 and I’m incredibly grateful for fame. It facilitates everything that I need and want to do with my life. I was just too young to receive it, and I wasn’t surrounded by good people. And I wasn’t good people. But now I can’t speak highly enough of it. (Laughs) AP: Part of your appeal has always been your candor. In your experience, though, does show business work against remaining authentic? WILLIAMS: It depends who you are. Most people I meet in the industry, they’re nice folk. But a lot of the people that I meet also are narcissists and they understand on some level that it’s best to cover up their true nature. So they do. Now there’s cancellation, so you’ve got a lot of people terrified of saying the wrong thing. The interesting that I’ve carved out for me, by mistake, is that the only villain in my story when I talk is me. None of my opinions are political. None of my opinions are cancellable. The only person that can cancel me is me. AP: So how did you turn your life around? You've often credited your wife. WILLIAMS: Ayda was credited with saving my life before she saved my life. I was like, “You (expletive).” I was like: I’ve done a lot of work on myself here. Don’t give her all the credit. But now I can give her way more credit than I was giving her because I’ve realize how much she’s done. Without that grounding, my life would be a lot different. I probably wouldn’t be here. Because I have somebody in my life that’s worth me being the best version of myself 24 hours out of the day, I’m better. And because there’s four young souls that need looking after, my purpose is a lot different. I suppose my purpose at one time, due to finding hedonism incredibly intoxicating, was to be the most (expletive) person in the room. But now I want to be the most well person in the room. I intend to be the wellest person in the mother-(expletive) room. (Laughs) AP: When you go on a worldwide tour next year, do you do things differently to help you stay sane? WILLLIAMS: Yeah and no. The no bit is: It’s OK. I’ve come to realize, I didn’t die. There’s a bit more wisdom now. The lunatic that was in the car is still in the car, but he doesn’t drive anymore.
Judge rejects challenge to Missouri voter photo ID lawNewly elected legislators in the Washington State House of Representatives gathered in Olympia recently beginning their orientation for the upcoming 105-day session that begins Jan. 13. The biggest challenge these 18 legislators will face is dealing with a possible $12 billion funding shortfall, compared with earlier projections. “Sobering news” was how the Nov. 20 forecast was reported. As your elected representatives, these legislators will seek your input and priorities for the tough decisions that lie ahead. Democrats control both chambers of the legislature and a new governor is expected to propose a revised budget after his inauguration. The state has three budgets — the general fund, a capital budget and the transportation budget. People don’t want to pay more in taxes, so legislators will need to tighten the state’s spending belt. Not only is affordable housing an issue, but simply the cost of day-to-day living is a big factor for far too many families. Big picture State spending (general fund) has grown from about $11 billion in 2000 to $37 billion in 2025. Per capita, inflation adjusted spending has grown about 50 percent, from about $4,000 per person to $6,000 per person. Washington state has 133,250 employees, full-time equivalent. The largest percentage, 45%, are higher education — college — employees. Local K-12 school employees are primarily paid for by the state, but they are not state employees. For comparison, Washington has 8 million people. Oregon has 4.2 million people and 45,000 state employees. Approximately 75% to 80% of the budget is “mandatory” spending. These include constitutional elements, federal requirements (Medicaid) and other state-created obligations. Education, health care and other human services programs are major drivers of state spending. While some spending is discretionary, most is mandatory to varying degrees. Current budget revenues The fiscal year 2023-25 biennium projected $66.4 billion in general fund revenues. Sales and use taxes make up 48% of revenue; business and occupation taxes make up 20%; property taxes 14%; with real estate excise, alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and lottery, utility, capital gains, estate and other taxes making up the balance. The state takes 6.5% in a sales tax, with local entities adding to that amount. The total state and local sales tax rate varies from 7% to 10.6%. The average statewide is 9.38%. Additionally, there are 230 sales and use tax preferences, including exemptions. Property taxes bring in about $9 billion and make up 14% of state revenue. Currently, levy amounts can rise by 1% of assessed value each year, plus new construction. Last session there was a proposal to raise the maximum increase to 3%, triple the current amount, but it didn’t pass. Business and occupation taxes raise about 20% of revenues. Approximately 384,000 businesses pay this tax. Rates vary depending on business activity, from 0.138% to 3.3%. These taxes are applied to gross receipts, not profits. So, an unprofitable business would have to pay these taxes. There are four main rate categories — retailing, wholesaling, manufacturing and services. A new capital gains tax began in 2022, and the Climate Commitment Act tax began in 2023. Expenditures The state budget planned to spend a total of $173 billion for the two-year 2023-25 biennium in three different budgets. The two-year operating budget — general fund — is $140.9 billion; the transportation budget is $14.7 billion; and the capital budget $17.8 billion. These budgets can overlap, for example the general fund pays for the staffing of the Department of Transportation, while the transportation budget pays for numerous “projects” including construction of new facilities, maintenance, the state patrol, the state ferry system and more. Public schools (K-12) get the largest share of state spending at 43%. Higher education (colleges) gets 8%, the Health Care Authority gets 8%; the Department of Social and Health Services gets 10% plus handles another 3%; Children, Youth and Families receives 5%; and Behavioral Health gets 5%. Debt service consumes 4% of the spending. Looking ahead, there are negotiated state employee pay raises that add to budget pressures. Gov. Inslee instituted a hiring freeze earlier this month. He will submit his suggested 2025 budget later this month. As a representative, I welcome citizen input on revenues and expenditures. You can visit the Office of Financial Management, ofm.wa.gov/, for more details on any aspect of the state budget. Thank you for your input, support and encouragement. ••• John Ley will be the 18th Legislative District representative effective Jan. 13, 2025.
NoneOcular Hypertension Pipeline Forecast 2024: FDA Approvals, Therapies, Mechanism of Action, Route of Administration, and Developments | Laboratoires Thea, Rigshospitalet, Amneal Pharmaceuticals, Theratocular Biotek Co., Alcon Research, Otsuka Beijing Resea
Where to watch Ravens vs. Chargers game tonight: Free live stream
A woman stares back at me from a small painting, with soft eyes that never saw the age of 27. Her blue dress stands out gently against the teal background, a gold cross hanging from her neck, an engagement ring glittering on the hand resting at her side. The painting is Amy Sherald’s portrait of Breonna Taylor, commissioned for the cover of the September 2020 issue of Vanity Fair . Stylistically, the painting is entirely Sherald’s signature blend of minimalist figuration infused with hints of pop-surrealism, but it is in its cultural context that it delivers all the gravitas of religious painting. Taylor is a martyr. The portrait hangs alongside nearly 50 other paintings in Sherald’s first major museum survey, “American Sublime,” at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The exhibit runs through March 9, 2025. The show chronicles Sherald’s artistic development over the last decade-and-a-half: stylized portraits of Black people either posed casually or recreating historical images, all sharing the same desaturated gray skin tone, a hallmark she hit on around 2008 which harkens back to the Renaissance. Coincidentally, the timeframe of “American Sublime” also coincides a striking arc of American politics, from the election of the country’s first Black president to the defeat of the first Black woman to secure a major-party nomination for that same office, and with the Black Lives Matter movement and the Supreme Court’s reversal of affirmative action nested in between. In 2018, Sherald was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to create the official portrait of former First Lady Michelle Obama . The resulting, regal likeness is sequestered in its own viewing space at SFMOMA, lending a reverence to the piece similar to the portrait of Taylor. Overall, overtly political associations aren’t ones Sherald or the curators announce directly, but they churn beneath the surface of the exhibition, creating a distinct tension around the artist’s vision of Black America. Maybe that schism is where the sublime comes into play. In art history, the “sublime” describes the indescribable — the overwhelming majesty of the natural landscape, incomprehensible to the human mind. But skew your perspective of American sublimity from Thomas Cole’s Hudson River landscape paintings and Ansel Adams’s photographs of Yosemite mountain ranges, and reapply the definition to the current moment in American politics. I think it could be perfectly described by an overwhelming sense of scale that outstrips my comprehension: the return of former President Donald Trump, now a convicted felon and found liable for sexual abuse , to the White House. “American Sublime” wasn’t mounted in response to, or necessarily in anticipation of, Trump’s victory. Certainly, it would be a different viewing experience if Kamala Harris had won the race . But Sherald offers both a revisionist history to our nation’s troubled past and a counternarrative to four more years of Trump’s America. One approach to this is the scale at which Sherald paints her subjects. Some paintings are life-sized or slightly smaller, lending to a personal rapport with the viewer. Others are larger than life, towering against the gallery walls. Both approaches create and hold space for the people and the vision they represent. Some of the paintings also reinterpret the past to reveal the uncelebrated Black and queer histories that are the bedrock of American history. “For Love, and For Country” samples Alfred Eisenstaedt’s iconic 1945 photograph of a sailor kissing a woman in Times square in celebration of the United States’ victory over the Japanese. Sherald’s version features two Black men playing out the scene, reinterpreting the image of nationalist celebration through a queer lens. “If You Surrendered to the Air” shows a solitary man straddles an I-beam, again playing with an historical image of white immigrant ironworkers breaking for lunch atop the skeletal frame of the Empire State Building by suggesting the role of Black Americans in building the nation. Both make use of the expansive blue background common across many of Sherald’s canvases. Perhaps this is a signifier of upward mobility or potential historically withheld. But the emptiness also helps to focus all attention on the central figure and when other elements come into play they are spare and carefully curated. Clothing is the most consistent contributor to the narrative of each painting, carefully individualizing each subject in bright colors and distinctive patterns. Elsewhere, Sherald incorporates elements of Americana iconography to further her character’s stories, from a John Deere tractor to picket fences and a rocket launch. The final gallery in the exhibition expands its bid for representation to include transgender and disabled characters. “Trans Forming Liberty” shows a trans woman striking the iconic pose of the Statue of Liberty, brandishing a bouquet of flowers in place of the typical torch and crowned with pink curls in place of the usual spiked halo. In “American Grit,” a legless boxer stares with stoic pride while perched on a ringside stool. “American Sublime” feels like an elegy for a recent possible version of America it now seems difficult to imagine. One that is diverse and inclusive and, in a word, human. It’s a version of the future that now seems like the relic of a distant, naïve past, subsumed by incumbent inhumanity. Perhaps it is in this reverence that Sherald’s paintings can help us remember the hope we had for a future we can one day return to. Max Blue is an art critic whose “State of the Arts” column appears monthly in The Examiner.Hockey: Yankton Swept In Girls' 14-U Debut
Hospitality VAT reduction is quick fix but can’t be only solution, says top hotelier as industry facing ‘difficult time’