I just ran across a painting of Abraham Lincoln in drag by Trek Thunder Kelly that I found quite interesting. At first I wasn't sure if I loved it, or if I found it offensive. Of course, I am used to seeing political cartoons lambasting politicians on a daily basis, but for some reason this art seemed different; it just feels a lot more personal.
But seeing this painting also reminded me that defacing political faces has been in fashion for years-- the "God Save the Queen" print is an example of that. If you would like to add some of this art to your apartment (and cannot afford a Trek Thunder Kelly original), you can go for the Making Change Print by Jordan Carlyle for CB2, which even though it is mass produced doesn't feel like it is.
Images:
1. Trek Thunder Kelly
2. CB2
3. Paul Beins
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If you want to see real art that incorporates the presidents try and track down the art of clark v. fox his washington and lincoln are wonderful and he takes other pop icons too. Represented by Cue Gallery I think in NY.
those boots are fierce. hoover's probably rolling in his grave with envy.
sorry. Not loving it.
That's just wrong.
his head is pasted on yay!
HA! All I can think of looking at this is Garth from Wayne's World saying 'if Cassandra was a president she'd be Babe-raham Lincoln!'
Log cabin republican?
Not sure how I feel about this, especially since Abraham Lincoln is one of my ancestors.
OR just DIY. All you need is a print of your personality of choice, a stack of old magazines, markers, and scissors. Honestly. That way you get to deface who you want, and its awesomeness will amplified because of the DIY factor. And it's fun.
regretsy?
This site shows lots of places with (British) Union Flag cushions or carpets, so you're walking on the symbol of a nation, and the Sex Pistols cover is thought to be classic, even though the image of the Queen is defaced, yet sending up an American icon is greeted with discomfort.
It's not as cool or stylish (long leather coats are a bit cheap, and the white frock is all wrong with the trampishness of the heels), & as art it is pretty rubbish, but that doesnt seem to be how people are responding to it.
It's a bit like people using statues or heads of Buddha as decor but getting upset when they see a statue of the Virgin Mary being used as a hatstand in a club in Thailand...
Curious
Learn something about the art and artist before judging. It's about making us think. It's about perception and branding in our consumer culture.
@rayma
You mean pastede on, surely.
I am half offended that ppl might be offended by the Lincoln art, in particular. Are transvestites offensive, now? (Well, that's pretty loaded... also unfair. I retract my offense if you'd also be offended by a depiction of Washington as a ninja. Maybe.)
offensive and unnecessary
this just creeps me out . . . ick
The image of Abe in stilettos is awesome! There's a [controversial and awesome] mural of George Washington in drag, on the side of a building in the Camp Washington neighborhood in Cincinnati:
http://visualingual.wordpress.com/2008/09/04/campy-washington-mural-in-camp-washington/
Camp Washington, Campy Washington, get it?
For Christmas last year I got my brother this Lincoln print: http://www.etsy.com/listing/30778949/lincoln-sunglasses
I don't think it--or any of the ones featured here--are offensive, but I prefer it to all but the iconic Sex Pistols piece. I don't like the Lincoln or Washington ones you've picked out, not because they offend me; they just don't really strike a chord at all. But I'm sure lots of people would hate the Lincoln I picked out... Luckily, my brother didn't!
@MissHeliotrope, I think you bring up a really interesting discussion. It deserves its own post. You listening AT?
Off topic, but can someone tell me why my URL wasn't converted to a link? It's so basic, but I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong...
i saw this painting in person a few years back at the venice art walk. it's actually quite stunning in person. it was the one piece i saw that day that i still remember today.
i'm talking about the lincoln piece above
i love it. i fail to see how it is "offensive" or "defacing" to lincoln. though perhaps it reveals the author's (and our culture's) discomfort with gender ambiguity.
I'm amused as hell that anyone would find this offensive. I think it's very interesting and thought-provoking!
I think it's funny.
And on a side note, we tend to romanticize historical figures and think of them as untouchable icons, not people. All his achievements aside, even someone like Abe Lincoln was a person with flaws. And hey, he was a smart, progressive guy -- I'd be this would make him laugh.
@MissHeliotrope, all excellent points!
Reactions to these sorts of paintings will vary; I'm guessing most people here don't remember the Harold Washington in Lingerie (Ladies) - titled Mirth & Girth - painting which caused a big HUGE stink in Chicago about 6 months after his death and ended up in court.
I'm not an American, so it just made me giggle. It was unexpected!