George W. Bush Will Release Book of Portraits in 2027

The former president will debut a collection of paintings honoring political prisoners on March 9, 2027.

Updated on Oct. 3, 2026 in Painting

Gouache-painted illustration of empty frames on a wall and an artist's easel, reflecting a collection of portraits. — Former President George W. Bush will publish his third art collection, The Call of Freedom, on March 9, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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George W. Bush will publish his third art collection, titled The Call of Freedom: Portraits of Political Prisoners and Dissidents, on March 9, 2027. The book features 44 oil paintings and biographies of individuals seeking freedom.

Why it matters

The book aims to send a message that the United States remains committed to individuals worldwide who are seeking freedom. It seeks to highlight the stories of various dissidents and political prisoners through art.

The collection includes 44 original oil paintings and biographical sketches, marking the third such volume published by George W. Bush. Crown, an imprint of Penguin Random House, is handling the publication.

The players

George W. Bush

He served as the 43rd President of the United States and began his career as an oil painter after leaving office.

Natan Sharansky

He is a prominent human rights activist and former Soviet refusenik who is contributing the foreword to the new book.

Crown

This publishing house is an imprint of Penguin Random House and is responsible for the release of the art collection.

The details

The upcoming collection features portraits of figures such as Mahsa Amini and Rolando José Álvarez Lagos. Natan Sharansky is contributing a foreword to the project, which will be accompanied by an exhibition at the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas.

George W. Bush began his pursuit of painting in 2009.
Mahsa Amini died in custody in 2022.
The book is scheduled for release on March 9, 2027.

Culture Shift

This release follows the established historical trend of former U.S. presidents engaging in public creative and philanthropic projects after leaving the White House. It reflects a shift toward using personal artistic output as a medium for communicating political and moral values.

Readers interested in contemporary portraiture and political history can anticipate the book's arrival in bookstores nationwide this March. Those located near Dallas may also plan to visit the exhibition at the George W. Bush Presidential Center to view the works in person.

The takeaway

The project serves as a reminder of the role creative outlets can play in shaping a public figure's post-office narrative. Readers can appreciate how art may be used to draw attention to global human rights issues and personal advocacy.