Regular readers of Eclectablog know that I am a big fan of the political art of socio-political artist Michael D’Antuono. His often provocative artwork forces us to confront the sinister forces of racism, exclusion, and fascism that lurk in our country. Those forces have never been more powerful than they are now with the assent of the Bannon/Trump administration.
D’Antuono has a new project that needs our support. He will be putting his latest painting “What Makes America Great” on a 17-foot mobile billboard that will circle the White House, Trump’s Washington, DC hotel, and some of DC’s monuments to draw attention to what actually does make our country great: our diversity. I urge you to drop a few shekels on his Indiegogo page HERE so that he can pull off this amazing effort.
Here are the details from his recent press release:
Controversial artist/activist, Michael D’Antuono, known for his provocative takes on hot-button issues, will be reminding our president in a particularly non-subtle way, that it is our diversity that has made America the most powerful and respected nation in the world. He’ll be getting his point across with a 17 foot mobile billboard bearing his latest painting and message of inclusion. The message is pointed directly at Mr. Trump, “Diversity, (Not Hate) Makes America Great.” The mobile billboard will circle the White House, Trump International Hotel and Washington’s most iconic monuments to democracy for 8 hours hours a day for one week starting appropriately enough, on Presidents’ Day.
Much like the famous Iwo Jima photograph, D’Antuono’s painting, “What Makes America Great” depicts patriotic Americans raising the flag. However, the flag raisers in D’Antuono’s piece represent people who have been demonized, disrespected and/or disenfranchised by this President. Among them are; a gay man, a plus size Asian woman, Mexican man, Muslim woman, black man, and a native American woman.
D’Antuono will also have a major presence in NYC at the One Love Rally – NoBanNoWall Rally February 11th, the General Strike Against Trump Rally – NYC, Feb. 17th and the Not My Presidents Day on Feb. 20th. From there, he will travel to Washington on the next day in support of his campaign in D.C. The artist has created a crowdsourcing page on Indiegogo to fund his campaign.
“I’m not sure if the President will change his evil ways, but I hope to send a clear message that the American people will not stand for or behind a president who preaches hate.” said D’Antuono.
No stranger to controversy, D’Antuono came upon the national stage in 2009 with his painting of President Obama wearing a crown of thorns and continues making bringing attention to issues such as racism, climate change and corporatism. To learn more about the artist, you can visit www.ArtandResponse.com.
Please help Michael with this project by making a donation. Art is a powerful force in The Resistance and your help will make it a reality.
Thanks.
