Artist Pulls Obama Portrait From Union Square

Is mixing up religion and politics with art even scandalous anymore? The LA Times reports that "A New York artist has canceled the public showing of his portrait of President Obama after receiving a barrage of angry e-mails condemning the religious nature of the work." Michael D'Antuono's painting, called "The Truth," depicted Obama on a crucifix wearing a crown of thorns, and was meant to be shown in a mock voting booth in Union Square starting tomorrow. According to the artist it was meant to "provoke political dialogue" on the President's 100th day in office, asking questions such as "Is Obama being crucified by the right? Do people think he's the next savior?" In the end, he said he canceled the show out of respect of the religion after receiving over a thousand emails about the use of Christian imagery. [via ArtInfo]

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By Jen Carlson in Arts & Entertainment on April 28, 2009 2:25 PM

Comments [rss]

CoolArrow

"Christians are offended"...Honestly? That's what you people take away from this?..."Christians are offended"?

Is it just my imagination or is this very reminiscent of the historic art in "cult of personality" societies featuring Hitler, Stalin, Mao, and Sadam Hussein? Since our elected politicians are supposed to be humble public servants, elected by the citizens to "serve", does anyone else think this sends a message about the collective mental health of the politic Americana?

GV777

Father forgive them.....This picture is an example of the lost world for which Jesus died. He loves everyone one you.

robingee

Someone-as-Jesus imagery is SO BORING. And Christians getting up in arms about anything is EVEN MORE BORING.

Past Taliban

If Obama represents a crucified Jesus then GW Bush and Dick Cheney should be shown crucified on either side of him to represent the two THIEVES.

widefive

Why are Christians such big babies?

Guest

Wow! Christians are as bad as Muslims. Who knew?

Politburo

I haven't heard of the artist's life being threatened..

GoToHell

You'e never heard of the Christian Taliban?

TimSPC

According to the artist it was meant to "provoke political dialogue" on the President's 100th day in office, asking questions such as "Is Obama being crucified by the right? Do people think he's the next savior?...

... "Am I an attention whore sensationalist?" "Have I wasted my life?"

Politburo

Well I dunno about the 2nd question.. but if he was a true sensationalist, he wouldn't have canceled the show.

GoToHell

Christians. AGAIN.

Barbj8

Christians. AGAIN. AGAIN.

GoToHell

Christians. AGAIN.

hotstepper

the reports of our president being a savior are highly overstated. i for one have never seen obama turn water to wine, rise from the dead, or get in the boxing ring with 300 lb satan.