Controversial painter of Truth tackles Energy Dependence on Independence Day
Michael D’Antuono, the artist who created an uproar with his controversial painting “The Truth” on President Obama’s 100th day in office will be unveiling two new pieces on July 4, 2009. The artist will be exhibiting an installation at NYC’s Washington Square Park that tackles the subject of our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.
D’Antuono, known for his painting of President Obama in a crucifixion-like pose again uses strong imagery to make his point. The first painting titled “Dependence” depicts a burqa-clad Statue of Liberty encircled by vultures in an apocalyptic environment clinging to a barrel of oil instead of a book and a gasoline nozzle raised above her head in place of her torch.
The second piece titled “Independence”, offers an optimistic alternative to the first with our Miss Liberty this time embracing a solar panel and wind turbine as eagles and doves glide through an idyllic blue sky.
Both pieces are 40″ x 30″ oil paintings with copper colored frames, one shiny and pristine, the other soiled with soot and grime. The art will be exhibited inside a booth decorated with patriotic trimmings including the image of the American flag with the question INDEPENDENCE? dripped in oil.
Undeterred by the furor that caused him to cancel his last public exhibition, the socially conscious artist is continuing making statements with his art. “I felt that Independence Day would be an appropriate time to shine a spotlight on the problem and encourage people to help make our great country more energy independent,” says D’Antuono.
Both paintings can be viewed at Washington Square’s Garibaldi Plaza from 10 am-4 pm on July 4th. For more information, visit the artist’s website at www.dantuonoarts.com.
Source: D’Antuono Arts