"The Truth" by Painter Michael D'Antuono which will be unveiled on President Obama's 100th Day in Office at NYC's Union Square. (PRNewsFoto/NOAH G POP FAM)The 30" x 54" acrylic painting on canvas depicts President Obama appearing much like Jesus Christ on the Cross; atop his head, a crown of thorns. Behind him, the dark veil being lifted (or lowered) on the Presidential Seal. But is he revealing or concealing and is he being crucified or glorified?
D'Antuono insists that this piece is a mirror; reflecting the personal opinions and emotions of the viewer; that "The Truth" like beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. D'Antuono expects that individual interpretations will vary as widely as they do in the political arena. The work will be seen by one viewer at a time behind a voting booth-inspired public installation.
Until now, Mr. D'Antuono has chosen to paint purely non-political subject matter, opting instead for iconic celebrity portraits and hard-luck romantic narratives. However, now the artist feels the need to make a statement. "Aided by the media, politics has taken a nasty turn in the last decade and I firmly believe that this is one of the underlying causes of our nation's current problems," says D'Antuono.
"The Truth" will be on exhibit on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the South Plaza of Union Square Park at 14th Street in New York City.
Hmm.. not sure what to say. Firstly, my initial comment would be that, well, it's just not very good. Beyond that.. well, the message seems very contrived. I mean, what am I supposed to think? That Obama is being crucified, that he's the second coming.. whatever the message inherent in the painting, it's completely melodramatic.
ReplyDeleteIt "insists" upon itself.
It's boring.
As for freedom of speech, well, certainly he has the right to make melodramatic pap, even if it might insult Christians.. but they've been insulted by much more dangerous and creative artists than this.
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ReplyDeleteWho knows what the deal is with this painting. Art is art, you can paint a petrified turd and call it art, so it's certainly open to expression and personality etc etc. But whenever I see this kind of thing, I have to ask myself 'why?'. If nothing else, would it not be making money off of the President (if he sells it, sells prints, etc)? I'm not sure what the morality factor is on that issue. I am sure it was not endorsed by Obama lol, he is mad enough about the NYC mishap with Air Force One yesterday; now he has to contend with artists' impressions of him in a Jesus Christ Pose (hence my Soundgarden song for this blog today lol). Fun times!
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