(Original Article at Art Threat)
Michael D’Antuono’s work is striking. His background as an illustrator sets a foundation for a remarkable oil painting style – deep shadows all set among poignant messages. After years of being instructed what to draw, the contraction of severe tendonitis led him to lay down the pencils and pick up oil painting – a move he says does not pay as well, but is much more rewarding. (more…)
July 2, 2009
[This is a localized version of the article originally published at SundanceChannel.com]
The concept of July 4th as “Oil Independence Day” or “Energy Independence Day” has been floating around for several years: everyone from bloggers to magazines to the Speaker of the House has touted the concept. This July 4th, New York-based artist Michael D’Antuono will add his voice to the debate with the unveiling of the paintings Dependence and Independence in Washington Square’s Garibaldi Plaza.
D’Antuono recently raised a furor with his painting The Truth, which celebrated President Obama’s 100th day in office. The painting portrayed the president wearing a crown of thorns and posed as if crucified — the religious right was not amused. The new paintings like won’t stir up the same level of vitriol… let’s hope they do stir up more meaningful conversation on our energy future, though.
Marc interviews New York artist Michael D’Antuono who unveils his controversial Obama painting on the show.
[This is a localized version of the article originally published at BlipTV.com]
A New York artist has canceled the public showing of his portrait of President Obama after receiving a barrage of angry e-mails condemning the religious nature of the work.
“The Truth,” a painting by Michael D’Antuono, was scheduled to go on view Wednesday in Union Square in Manhattan to mark the president’s first 100 days in office.
The work depicts Obama in a crucifix pose and wearing a crown of thorns, with the presidential seal in the background.
The artist said that he intended to display the acrylic painting in a mock voting booth, with viewers lining up to see it one by one. The booth would have been located on the south side of Union Square, near the Whole Foods grocery store.
“It was supposed to provoke political dialogue,” the artist told Culture Monster on Monday. “I wanted to start a discussion. Is Obama being crucified by the right? Do people think he’s the next savior?”
D’Antuono said he has received more than 1,000 e-mails, the vast majority of which criticize the use of Christian symbolism in the painting.
“I canceled the showing out of respect for religion. It was not meant to offend so many people,” he said. “I don’t think it would be helpful to the cause of unity to show it.”
— David Ng
Photo: Image of “The Truth,” a painting by Michael D’Antuono. Courtesy of the artist.
By Mark Hemingway
April 27, 2009
[This is a localized version of the article originally published at NationalReview.com]Late last night, Kathryn drew attention to this Obama painting entitled “The Truth,” by Michael D’Antuono, set to be revealed at an installation in New York’s Union Square Wednesday — Obama’s 100th day in office:
I just got off the phone with D’Antuono, and he had some surprising news: he’s decided that he’s not going to unveil the painting after all. (Though he didn’t rule out a possible gallery showing later.) While being provocative is often the goal for a lot of artists, I asked D’Antuono if the strong reaction and news coverage of the painting was what he was hoping for, he quickly said “No, not really.” Here’s how he explained his decision not to show the painting: (more…)
