From the White House to the Obama Presidential Center, President and Mrs. Obama have used the arts as a tool to inspire, empower, and connect people from around the world. The Obama Presidential Center features over 28 commissioned art installations that encourage visitors to open their imaginations and reflect on their ability to bring change home.

Carrie Mae Weem’s The Cool Blue Wind is a photographic collage printed on silver and gold metallic paper accompanied by original music. The images in collage reference Obama’s historic 2008 victory and the freedom found in the organized improvisational nature of jazz. The associated soundtrack, centers jazz, collective memory, and democratic participation.