Alex Katz has been awarded the National Medal of Arts, a designation for US artists and philanthropists given out by the White House.

“It was completely unexpected. I’m overwhelmed by the honour—particularly, having the American government taking fine artists so seriously. Of the other artists who received it, Robert Rauschenberg is like a hero to me with his relationship to society. He gave a lot back and I try to work in his footsteps.” —Alex Katz

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the federal government. It is awarded by the president of the United States to individuals or groups who are deserving of special recognition by reason of their outstanding contributions to the excellence, growth, support, and availability of the arts in the United States.