WND reports:
On his 100th day in office, President Obama will be “crowned” in messianic imagery at New York City’s Union Square.
Artist Michael D’Antuono’s painting “The Truth” – featuring Obama with his arms outstretched and wearing a crown of thorns upon his head – will be unveiled on April 29 at the Square’s South Plaza.
According to a statement released about the portrait, “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?”
Even the title of the piece, “The Truth,” suggests a play on biblical themes, as Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
“More than a presidential portrait,” writes D’Antuono on a website touting the painting, “‘The Truth’ is a politically, religiously and socially-charged statement on our nation’s current political climate and deep partisan divide that is sure to create a dialogue.”
Like others in the news who have depicted Obama in Christ-like imagery, D’Antuono insists he isn’t claiming the man is Messiah, but only inviting “individual interpretations.”
“‘The Truth,’ like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder,” claims the exhibit’s press release.
D’Antuono even invites the public to email him with reactions to the piece, answering his posed question, “What’s your truth?”
It’s hard to even get too worked up about this idiocy because it’s only aim is publicity. A talentless amoral hack craves attention and money and does the only thing he knows how to do to make everyone he knows applaud like trained seals and have the free newspapers call him “important” and “edgy.” It’s actually rather sad. But what’s even sadder is how similar this is to all the photos taken by “reputable” news organizations.
April 27, 2009 at 2:20 am
When he makes mud with his spit and cures Gov Paterson of his blindness, then I might be impressed. But that’s a really huge ‘might’.
April 27, 2009 at 2:25 am
I find it disturbing.
April 27, 2009 at 2:44 am
I agree with Anonymous, it disturbs me.
Does anyone reading this have insight on possible unconcious associations being made by the prevalence of garbage like these posted photos? I’m serious, the (bogus)issue of subliminal suggestions in televised advertising is often brought up by various folk. In this particular instance is there ANY possibility of truth to the idea?
If not, just pass me my tinfoil hat and I promise to be quiet.
April 27, 2009 at 3:16 am
Well, Subvet, I think Neil Postman addressed this phenomenon of the media is the message in his book Amusing Ourselves to Death, and I think we’re seeing his predictions playing out.
In another culture and time, these images would probably be dismissable and mostly harmless.
In a culture that thinks no deeper than Oprah’s current show and reads the TV Guide more than the Bulbe, and couldn’t tell you what a logical fallacy was, let alone spot one, I think they are significantly disturbing.
April 27, 2009 at 3:18 am
That would be Bible, not Bulbe, but I’m guessing readers of this blog are smart enough to figure that out themselves.
April 27, 2009 at 3:20 am
What’s particularly bothersome is that you can’t even satirize it. A picture of Bush with a halo would have clearly been saying something other than “Bush is the Savior.” But you can’t even make that statement with Obama, or “create a dialogue” like the artist claims to want.
April 27, 2009 at 3:32 am
kc, you are NOT making me feel better! Thanks anyway.
April 27, 2009 at 4:09 am
I have wondered if photos like these (I’ve seen many more!), have anything to do with the administration’s request to hide religious symbols like INHS at Georgetown while Obama was speaking there.
April 27, 2009 at 5:41 am
Anon (11:09 post)- the only reason I believe these photos would have anything to do with removing *REAL* sacred images that reflect the *REAL* Messiah is because this fake doesn’t like the competition. He knows that he’ll never get real adoration and respect that is afforded to the real Messiah.
But I too find this very very disturbing. With how shallow our society seems to be right now, it doesn’t take much for people to follow. That whole saying of “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.” applies.
April 27, 2009 at 8:36 am
How disturbing.
April 27, 2009 at 10:45 am
Obama is not the messiah. Historically speaking, it is understood that the messiah can build a frickin’ cabinet.
April 27, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Obama is not the messiah. Historically speaking, it is understood that the messiah can build a frickin’ cabinet.
(LOL!) Now, *that* was good…!
April 28, 2009 at 2:07 am
As a image taken at a tea party last week which appeared in an e-mail stated, “Somewhere in Kenya a village is missing it’s idiot.”
April 28, 2009 at 5:00 am
subvet, welcome. the tinfoil comment did make me feel better; I’m finding I need more smiles after the last election