April 26, 2009 4:04 PM
Obama as Messiah after 100 days in "The Truth"
"The Truth" by Michael D'Antuono (WND)
In celebration of his first 100 disastrous days in office liberal goons will crown Obama in messianic imagery at New York City's Union Square on Wednesday.
World Net Daily reported:On his 100th day in office, President Obama will be "crowned" in messianic imagery at New York City's Union Square.HT: Anne
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."
Posted in Art, Obama Nation | Permalink
Comments
Maybe I'm not looking at this the right way, but I thought this was a clever painting as social commentary. I don't think liberals are going to look at the piece and think, "Obama IS just like Jesus - he IS the modern day Saviour" I think the artist painted this because that idea is already out there - he's making a statement about how liberals have glorified Obama.
His comment in the article about the curtains is interesting too. He made it look like either O is revealing or covering up. Liberals will see it as a reveal, Conservatives will see it as conceal or deceit.
I guess I didn't see this as an atrocity like you do. I thought it more in line as a political cartoon that is making the statement that we have elevated this man to God-man position - I don't know if the artist thinks this is wrong or right because the piece doesn't elaborate, but I don't think the painting in and off itself is horrific. I'll probably be in the minority here and that's fine! We are all have our opinions!
Posted by: Debra | April 26, 2009 7:55 PM
Okay, and maybe I'm wrong to think this is kind of neat, but the idea of going into a ballot box - it's like you have to make a choice - is he a Savior, or a fraud.
Posted by: Debra | April 26, 2009 8:20 PM
Okay, and to totally hijack this, I just looked at the artist's website, and besides some slightly racy in a 1950's way paintings, he isn't a typical contemporary artist. The guy who put the crucifix in the cup of urine, that offends me. This painting just doesn't for some reason.
Posted by: Debra | April 26, 2009 8:37 PM
I see D'Antuono's "The Truth" as powerful and clever social commentary AGAINST Obama, but perhaps I'm just not "hip" enough on contemporary art to get the real point of the piece?
Posted by: Anna | April 26, 2009 9:10 PM
I find this portrait very disturbing. I immediately think of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ when I see this picture of Obama, made up to look like Christ wearing a crown of thorns with his arms outstretched as if on the cross. I think it is blasphemous and deeply offensive. Obmama is nothing but a poor sinner in need of true repentance.
I know Jesus Christ as my beloved friend and Savior. Comparing Obama to Christ makes me ill. Julie
Posted by: Julie | April 26, 2009 11:37 PM
I am totally offended by the depiction. It really doesn't have much to do with Barack Obama - I would be offended if the imagery was used with George W. Bush (whom I happen to like). What bothers me is the profanation of the sacred. How lightly we take the things of God! Christ's crucifixion should not be fodder for political commentary. I was raised to believe that every time the holy image, or the holy name, is mocked, profaned, or used in a coarse or common way, it is an affront to God, a scandal to the faithful, and a stumbling block to nonbelievers.
Posted by: Anne | April 27, 2009 12:49 AM
Can you be sure that the artist is comparing Obama to Christ? We have been saying for months now that Liberals have made Obama like Christ. If what we are saying is true, the artist is just depicting this. Maybe this painting will make those who have elevated him to this level pause and rethink their idol worship.
I do wonder if this is more offensive to Catholics than Protestants - we don't have the crucifix in our church and maybe that's why I'm not as disturbed by it?
People have made men into idols and this depicts it. I would hope that it would prick the hearts of the super liberal Christians who have made this man into something he is not.
Posted by: Debra | April 27, 2009 8:14 AM
I'd have to agree with Deborah in hoping it "pricks the heart of liberals" and maybe awakens them to the height of a pedestal they have put the President on.
In another note, this painting could also be a comment on the level of illusion, glamorization and deception there is going on in Obama's administration these days. Notice the crown of thorns is not real- it's gold plated, like a flashy stage prop. Not in any way the real thing. Also note that there is no blood from the thorns. This shows that he's selfishly using this imagery as a prop, and not truly living the pain of the cross and experiencing it as Jesus did for our redemption. I'd like to argue that this artist is asking us to look deeper at our perceptions/ hopes of the President as "new messiah" and see it for what it is: a convenient illusion he uses to further grasp at the power of the Presidency.
No offense Barbara, I can understand your disgust at the way it does (at first glance) profane the sufferings of our Savior, Jesus, but I have to disagree with you on the message the artist is trying to convey to those who look a bit deeper.
Just some thoughts! Love your blog!
Posted by: Sarah | April 27, 2009 3:48 PM
I think the crown of thorns and his posture are unmistakably representative of Christ crucified.
And I find it extremely objectionable.
I cannot "read" it as anything other than a comparison of Obama to the crucified savior. Whatever the artist's intent, what it shows is Obama-as-Christ.
Posted by: Margaret | April 28, 2009 6:57 AM
I agree with you, Margaret. Our Lord must be deeply offended by this. We need to do reparation for Obama's terrible offenses against innocent human life. My Jesus, mercy!
Posted by: Leticia Velasquez | May 1, 2009 11:22 PM
