Artist Unveils “The Truth”

Its an acrylic on canvas piece titled “The Truth” featuring Obama in a crucifixion pose wearing a crown of thorns on his head. Michael D’Antuono is the artist and he unveiled the piece on Obama’s 100th day in office. Behold “The Truth.”

Of course the artist is deliberately trying to provoke a reaction, especially from the religious people in our society, but the artist refuses to state whether the image is intended to mock leftists who worship Obama or whether it is supposed to incite anger from conservatives for being yet another artist who embraces Obama and his government as a replacement for salvation.

His artist’s statement says here at PRNewswire:

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.

I only see this piece as something that is sacrilegious and a PR stunt to get the artist’s name onto the public scene.  And I understand that, and in a way, I appreciate it.  It made me look up the guy’s website which is here.  On the site are several pieces of art that I found to be much more pleasant, and because I enjoy looking at art, I appreciate the Obama piece because I would never have found D’Antuono’s other more appealing art otherwise.  I guess that makes the Obama piece a “gateway painting.”  Heh.  Check out some of his other works at his website.  My favorites are below: