1981 Photograph of Steve Jobs Evokes ‘American Cool’ in Smithsonian Exhibit

Portrait of Steve Jobs riding a motorcycle on Apple's campus, by Charles O'Rear, American Cool exhibit, Smithsonian Portrait Gallery

Portrait of Steve Jobs riding a motorcycle on Apple's campus, by Charles O'Rear, American Cool exhibit, Smithsonian Portrait Gallery

What does it mean for someone to be “cool?” Does it mean they are put-together, stylish, admirable, calm? Perhaps all of the above. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC explores the meaning of “cool” and the American icons who embody it in its appropriately named exhibit American Cool.

Among portraits of Madonna, David Byrne, Sam Shepherd, Tom Waits, Paul Newman and Jimi Hendrix sits a 1980’s photograph of the beloved Steve Jobs. The portrait by Charles O’Rear catches Jobs riding a motorcycle between meetings on the Apple campus, wearing a laid-back, full beard and a smooth pair of blue jeans.

Want to see the portrait in person? American Cool runs in Washington, DC through September 7.

Image by Blake Patterson
via AppleInsider

Lauren Mobertz

By Lauren Mobertz

Lauren is the former managing editor for DashBurst. One part geek, one part urban nomad, she is constantly scouting for the latest tech and world news. In the evenings you'll find Lauren running in strange places or attempting to dance salsa.