Everyone will have a different interpretation of this picture but to me it screams racist.

Didn't take long for race to be brought up. But I suppose that is a valid point.

Anyways, I like this painting. You have to understand history and each individuals role in history to understand where he is going with it. The artist definitely has a republican slant. Theose with a liberal slant will have a lot to say about this one.

Clinton kinda looks like a mix between himself and sean hannity. Jackson is spot on.

TY for sharing.

Reagan being portrayed, as it seems to me he is, as "concerned for the everyman" in the picture is insulting. Reagan is the ground-zero of the mess we are in.

Bush Jrs indifference is possibly fitting, though his boot needs to be on the Constitution as much as anyones.

Originally posted by Ignorance_Defier
Everyone will have a different interpretation of this picture but to me it screams racist.

I did ask an open question.
So will this set the tone for this thread?

no worries it was moved for me ,i believe ,but hey if you can get more info out of this ...by all means ...my good man

Originally posted by SLAYER69
I am not quite sure what to make of this yet.

Me neither, Slayer. I've been studying the symbolism and body language as well as the facial expressions and placements of presidents for some time now. Intriguing way to convey thoughts, invoke thoughts, and dwell upon possible meanings for some choices made by the artist in his work.

I have looked at this image for a long time. I had a rush of emotions which made me think long and hard about where our country may be heading if it's not already there. At first I just couldn't figure out which way I would post it. Finally, I decided to just simply stick it here and let my fellow members who haven't seen it yet take a look and draw their own conclusions.

I appreciate the nature in which you chose to share this with us. Thank you Slayer.

Whether you are right or left is of no importance but understand that we as Americans have gotten ourselves into a pickle. I love that old saying. { It doesn't matter how the Jackass got stuck in the mud, Just get it out! }

The "teacher" is always glad to learn new things.

In any case I can certainly sympathize with the guy on the bench these days.

looking towards the right (the guy's right) would be an indication of dwelling on the future. Looking down is a submissive gesture, possibly having connotations to negativity. (hell is down, up to older siblings and up to parents and up to heaven is usually associated with positive and good.) Linear (right verses left) types of thinking automatically exclude some perceptions and possibilities, in my opinion.

Take a good hard look at the image and let me and others here know how it makes you feel and what you think.

Presidential oath of office:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

I think the "spirit" of the constitution has not entirely been evolving in it's purest form since it's inception as our foundation. Even the words themselves have evolved to convey different meanings and definitions since it was first written, I believe. The constitution is more than just the words, and more than piece of paper, to me.

The imagery needs more scrutiny and dwelling upon before I comment further. There are reasons for the presidents posturing, gesturing, body language indicators, and other symbolism to digest further.

Kudos for the intro Slayer. I am enjoying your threads

Thanks for sharing,
ET

it is a great painting for it's intended purpose however, I wish it had of been more realistic in physical stature. Lincoln was 6' 4" tall barefoot which made him about 6' 6" with a pair of boots on. In this painting, he is no taller than most of the other Presidents. As far as depth perception, the Presidents in the background should have been shorter but then they could not have been seen from this angle. The painting has flaws art wise, but is spot on politically. Nice find.

Originally posted by B.Morrison
P.S) this is not a racist piece of art.

The painting itself is not racist. However, art is defined in the eye of the beholder and I can understand how it could invoke strong feelings pertaining to race.

Fascinating...and a little bit disturbing

Notice how a lot of Rep. presidents are on the left side of the painting and Dem. presidents are on the right (though not all)?
I also enjoy the evil look on both LBJ's and Noxon's face. Sorta devilish.

This is an interesting painting.

I believe you can pretty much divide the presidents into 3 groups. Those who are proud of their country and the rights they committed their presidency to.
Those that respect what they are president for. ( To serve the US citizens by upholding the constitution...etc

And finally those who care more about their own interests instead of the publics. Not taking the constitution for granted , but as problem to overcome , and later to step on...

Calling this picture racist is absolutely ridiculous, as there isn't even racism present. In fact it looks like Obama has it all under control.

Personal conclusion:
The rise of the American dream, the achievement, the fading and corruption of it, and finally its destruction.

Actually a very sad picture

Originally posted by Sinter Klaas
This is an interesting painting.

I believe you can pretty much divide the presidents into 3 groups. Those who are proud of their country and the rights they committed their presidency to.
Those that respect what they are president for. ( To serve the US citizens by upholding the constitution...etc

And finally those who care more about their own interests instead of the publics. Not taking the constitution for granted , but as problem to overcome , and later to step on...

Calling this picture racist is absolutely ridiculous, as there isn't even racism present. In fact it looks like Obama has it all under control.

Personal conclusion:
The rise of the American dream, the achievement, the fading and corruption of it, and finally its destruction.

Actually a very sad picture

You...took the words out of my mouth. I get the exact feeling.

There are distinctively 3 groups in that pic as you critically analysed.

1st group that made up the founding fathers were concern for the common man, with their hands outstretched and looking towards the current presidents as if asking 'what are you doing to and for your fellow american?', as well as one aghast that the sacred Constitution had been trampled underfoot by President Obama.

The second group are those who served humbly and quietly -sheeps - taking the middle position -and not clapping or cheering.

The 3rd group were all smiles and claps at the direction that the current president is heading towards, as if a final abandonment of the cherished and sacred ideals of founding fathers were finally removed from America, ties that bounded had at last been cut, for a new direction as reflected in the face of the current President, with their backs turned away from the symbol of USA - the Whitehouse.

And finally stands President with his arms crossed, feet stepping on the sacred Constitution, and looks haughtily into a new direction, a new world order where humanity means nothing but to be trampled upon.

It is with sadness that I stared at this pic, for a pic tells a thousand words. The artist may be a nobody, but an artwork reflects the artist perceptions and its relevance will be with those who view such art.

Had it been relevant to you, that the events for the past decades had compelled the artist to create this work and share it with everyone, as it had for Sinter Klass and me?