Michelle Obama sculpture unveiled.

[BrainStorm]

"The controversial topless bust of Barack Obama's wife Michelle Obama was unveiled to the public in New York yesterday.

The bust - the work of artist Daniel Edwards - is a topless figure of the U.S. candidate's wife with a Nefertiti-style hair do and the star spangled banner across her chest.

On his website, Edwards describes the artwork as, “an accessorized mannequin bust of Obama that foregoes the conventional pearl necklace, and provides for her a 'signature look' to take to Washington.

“The goal is to create a look for Michelle Obama that eliminates excessive comparisons to Jackie Kennedy.” "

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/photos/45114/1/michelle-obama-topless-sculpture-goes-public-in-nyc#gallery

[Captain Hilts]

1. I'm unable to type. nt

[JeanGrey]

61. OH MY GOD

[awoke_in_2003]

234. I get that too

when I see boobs (just kidding, almost)

[AngryAmish]

2. Snatch it down

[BrainStorm]

29. Censorship?

I don't think so.

[cliffordu]

OK, what if someone puts the artist into a coma??

One should ALWAYS show the courage of one's convictions...

[BrainStorm]

213. esuna

.

[Justyce]

3. WTF? Is this a joke? Why is it sitting on an old suitcase?

[eleny]

5. It looks like a vintage Lady Baltmore brand suitcase

I had one just like it when I was a kid.

[BrainStorm]

12. It is being displayed apparently

But I don't know if it's on the suitcase.

[trueblue2007]

93. I think it's HORRIBLE. It looks nothing like her. TOTAL TRASH

[BrainStorm]

104. Some people actually have positive reactions to it:

http://current.com/items/89321129_risque_political_sculptures

"this is beautiful. i wonder how michelle feels about this. but i love the 'anti pearl necklace' ditty..fuck those pearls baby"

"This sculpture is the most honest that I have seen of it's kind. I love how it stays true and is in no way bias."

"This really is beautiful, we really could use more culturally diverse, non-stock people in the White House."

"Im very moved..i love what this represents!"

[tblue37]

267. That jerk should show some respect..

Would a white potential First Lady be subejcted to such public embarrassment? Where is the topless bust of Cindy McCain--or even a wet T-shirt image of her from the Miss Buffalo Chip contest?

The whole tendency in this country to oversexualize images of African-American women really pisses me off.

[roguevalley]

269. what offends me the most is the invasion of her person by this

twat. how dare you do something so awful to a person you don't know and who is a mother and a dignified person? I would use a baseball bat on it after I used it on him.

[BrainStorm]

307. Is it an awful thing?

It is more of an homage.

[BrainStorm]

270. He did a Hillary Clinton bust along the same lines

[BrainStorm]

124. It's on display at the Leo Kesting Gallery

http://www.chinadaily.net/world/2008-09/18/content_7038036.htm

[glowing]

4. Wow, did she ask for someone to do this?

[BrainStorm]

308. Probably not

It's the artist's choice.

[BrainStorm]

6. Info on the sculptor:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Edwards

Daniel Edwards is an American sculptor; Born: La Porte, Indiana, 1965. His pieces address celebrity and popular culture in ways that have often stirred controversy. The release of the pieces is generally accompanied by press releases.

His works include a sculpture of the disembodied head of Ted Williams, a life-sized statue of Britney Spears giving birth while nude on her hands and knees on a bearskin rug, a bust of Senator Hillary Clinton, and a 25 foot bust of Fidel Castro.

[cyndensco]

7. This is the same guy who sculpted Suri Cruise's first bowel movement.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Edwards

I try not to criticize "art" because I often don't get it. This, though, I would never magine was Michelle Obama unless someone told me.

[BrainStorm]

9. And the Britney Spears giving birth sculpture

NT

[BrainStorm]

13. More info

http://www.caplakesting.com/danedwards/index.htm

[BrainStorm]

97. It was done to mock the press insanity around the kid

It was a statement on the TMZ of American culture.

[yodoobo]

236. OMG he was serious

I thought the "crack" about suri's bowel movement was just sarcasm.

paint me unsophisticated I guess.

[Overseas]

8. White publicity hound says he wants to eliminate excessive comparisons to Jackie Kennedy.

I don't think the comparisons are excessive.

But this white guy is somehow disturbed to hear Michelle compared to Jackie.

He thinks this All American woman looks better as an African tribal princess with decorative scarring on her chest.

[BrainStorm]

10. The "scarring" is the American flag.

And he's done sculptures of black and white women and men.

[Overseas]

15. His statement of purpose: To "combat excessive comparisons to Jackie"

The comparisons are not excessive. That is an offensive statement. Michelle is American.

Oh, I get it, that's why he put the flag on there. He made her look all African and naked but hey, she's got the flag on there in the African tribal decoration style, so that's okay then? Neato?

Just because he has done offensive sculptures on other races doesn't mean his intent on this one is not racist.

BUT HE DOESN"T CARE. The key thing is publicity so I do feel dumb for even responding again to his tasteless work.

[BrainStorm]

19. Is it possible that he thought Michelle Obama was more unique that Jackie?

I don't think he was trying to hurt her. He's done some really interesting busts of Oprah:

http://www.caplakesting.com/danedwards/index.htm

[Overseas]

22. Ah well. You admire his work. I do not. Enough said. //

[BrainStorm]

25. If the Egyptian look were taken away, would you like it better?

NT

[brentspeak]

17. Uh, no

Publicity hound? Yes. Racist? :eyes: :eyes: :eyes:

[Overseas]

35. He thinks comparisons to Jackie are excessive and makes Michelle

into a naked African princess.

Just being creative I guess.

[BrainStorm]

40. No it's an imperial Egyptian Queen

He is trying to give her an Afrocentric image.

[BrainStorm]

50. Michelle Obama ISN'T Jacki O--and thank goodness for that!

She was a young, inexperienced woman who was kept quiet during the 1960 campaign:

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,871957-8,00.html

"Unlike Pat Nixon or Muriel Humphrey, Jackie takes no part in her husband's political planning. "Jack wouldn't—couldn't —have a wife who shared the spotlight with him," she says. Her political role is mostly visual: she is never consulted about political matters...

"At times Jackie displays a political naivete that makes reporters wonder if she is not reverting to the dumb Dora masquerade of her St. Grottlesex days. When a reporter told her in mid-campaign that he reckoned Jack's New York margin at more than half a million votes, she looked wide-eyed and uncertain: "Really? That's important, isn't it? How nice.'' And when her political duties are over, Jackie shucks her toga with obvious relief. Last October, after the tumultuous ticker-tape parade through Manhattan, she whipped off her reversible coat, turned it inside out and went off, like a girl just out of school, with her friend and neighbor, Artist William Walton, to look at avant-garde paintings in the Tibor de Nagy Gallery...

"In the course of the 1960 presidential campaign, Jacqueline Kennedy got a full quota of wound stripes. A malicious rumor was dry-docked at New York's River Club that Joe Kennedy had given Jackie a million dollars not to divorce Jack. An Ohio woman remarked darkly that "she's both French and Catholic. The wine will flow in the White House." Gossip columnists reported seriously that Jackie was not pregnant—that it was all an elaborate hoax to remove her from the campaign scene. Her biggest battle—the affair of the sable underwear—was touched off when Women's Wear Daily reported that Jackie and her mother-in-law spend $30,000 a year on French clothes. Jackie retorted that she could not possibly spend that much, "even if I wore sable underwear," added gratuitously that she doubted that her wardrobe "cost as much as Mrs. Nixon's."

[Captain Hilts]

83. I completely AGREE. nt

[BrainStorm]

88. Thanks.

Michelle has to be her own icon.

[Captain Hilts]

94. Michelle...

ER: ...Should be herself!

[BrainStorm]

I've been thinking about what kind of iconic representation of Michelle would be appropriate

One that doesn't have to reflect back to any previous ones.

[Tinksrival]

11. It doesn't even look like her?

His likeness sucks regardless. Back to the provocateur drawing board.

[VenusRising]

14. More discussion...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7380202

[BrainStorm]

43. Thanks.

I replied.

[BrainStorm]

44. I agree with this post on the other thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7380202&mesg_id=7380490

[NOLALady]

16. Where is his Sarah Palin nude?

Or maybe a buxom look for HRC? Or a drugged out sculptor of Cindy?

I loved Camelot. But, somehow I cannot compare Jackie to Michelle. IMO, Michelle has substance.

[awoke_in_2003]

240. HRC

is about halfway down:
http://www.caplakesting.com/danedwards/index.htm

[BrainStorm]

242. Yeah, I never liked that one. It fell kind of flat.

The others are much more compelling.

[awoke_in_2003]

254. It does seem a bit cold. nt

[BrainStorm]

255. Yeah. I think it doesn't express its intended message. But the Michelle sculpture

is full of life and strength.

[polichick]

18. WTF - doesn't look a thing like her. Is this meant to disrespect her?

[BrainStorm]

20. I don't think so.

I think it is really meant as a piece of art.

[polichick]

21. Why say it's Michelle - just to make money?

[BrainStorm]

23. No, it is supposed to be Michelle.

Artists have different ideas of what an homage is supposed to be.

[polichick]

27. Usually there's at least a resemblance though.

[BrainStorm]

28. But there is a resemblance.

This guy also did Britney Spears giving birth. It didn't look exactly like Britney but there was a resemblance.

[crispini]

54. Oh, THAT guy. He's pretty clearly an attention seeker, IMO.

There's no way anyone can be expected to take that Britney thing seriously.

[BrainStorm]

63. So you don't think he is an artist?

NT

[crispini]

73. I have no way of knowing his motivations.

There are so many people wanting to make a buck off of celebrity and the things associated with it that I perhaps by reflex put him in that category. Of course, there *is* a legitimate vein of art / criticism that is interested in pop culture and celebrity (Warhol's Marilyn Monroe leaps to mind) but looking at this guy's work, it doesn't convey that to me. It conveys more of a bizarre adulation of the subject matter which is off-putting to me.

[BrainStorm]

78. Fair enough. I didn't see it that way.

I was actually kind of impressed with the Queenly aspects of it.

[crispini]

84. I kind of like this piece, as a piece.

But it strikes me as a bit 'off' attached to Michelle, and the Britney thing was pretty weird. :shrug:

[BrainStorm]

96. I really think this guy is trying to create pop icons with his sculpture.

He may be more or less successful, but I actually think Michelle is one of his better ones. The Paris Hilton one was an interesting commentary but not pleasant to look at. And the Castro one did nothing for me.

The Prince Harry Dead one was interesting.

http://www.caplakesting.com/danedwards/index.htm

[crispini]

118. 'Create' - not so much. Comment on, yes.

I don't know why I dislike his stuff -- His style, for one thing, that sort of pseudo-Remington glossy look -- these are so obviously "Sculpture" with a capital S that it's not even funny -- it's the kind of thing that in our culture screams, "Take Me Seriously" but in this day and age, actually cannot be taken seriously because the vernacular of sculpture has gone so far beyond attempting to be representational that his work reminds me of those "commemorative" kinds of sculpture one finds on the Home Shopping Network. Not aesthetically appealing at all.

And then the oh-so-arch little press releases that go along with them, you know, they're sort of deceptive and winking at the same time. They're a bit overly precious.

I dunno, maybe there is something in them considering how much we are finding to discuss about them but I just find his work mostly distasteful. Give me Andy Goldsworthy any day when it comes to modern sculpture. :P

[BrainStorm]

121. You have a point that sculpture has gone a different way, but an artist should

work in his own true medium. I hate that thing where an artist does an installation with 10 TVs going at once because someone else did the same thing.

[crispini]

130. Hahah true.

I guess my *real* point is that this artist is clearly wanting to make a commentary on stuff, but I have problems taking his commentary seriously because his work reminds me so much of something from HSN, and I don't know whether he is taking himself seriously or being tongue-in-cheek. (Possibly both.)

I find his work overall kind of "icky" but then celebrity culture is kind of "icky" as well, so maybe that's deliberate.

[BrainStorm]

133. Maybe putting controversial ideas in a sculpture medium that should say "Greetings from Seaside"

is his way of commenting on middle class art or American social expectations.

[crispini]

135. Exactly. Or, he could just be a celebrity-obsessed dinkweed.

It's all in what you get out of the art, I suppose. ;)

[BrainStorm]

137. I like to think about it. I also got a very strong impression from the Michelle sculpture.

I think the artist is more in awe of Michelle than of Hillary.

[crispini]

173. If you consider it by itself, I would agree with you.

However, in light of the artist's other works, I have great difficulty determining anything at all about his motivations or attitudes from his work. I think it very likely this may be ironic or negative, considering his other pieces.

[BrainStorm]

175. I won't rule out other interpretations either.

But for me it was really a powerful image. And queenly and strong. Almost goddessy.

[Dangerously Amused]

250. I think he makes the sculpture first and THEN decides, based on current pop culture

...who he wants to say that it is. That being, whomever's name will garner him the most attention at that particular moment. And he knows that if he's called on it he can always argue "artistic license." So yeah, I call BS on this one. That's not Michelle.

[BrainStorm]

251. Nonsense. Look at his other work and then say that.

The burden of proof is on you, BTW.

[Dangerously Amused]

258. I have looked at his other work, and that is the basis for my conclusion.

He is technically proficient enough to make his sculptures look like his named subjects, yet his works look nothing at all like them. If you put that bust in the middle of the town square and asked 100 people to tell you who that person was, I'll bet you would get 100 different answers and none of them would be "Michelle Obama."

I would be more inclined to take him seriously if he started out telling us who his next sculpture was going to depict, and then actually made the sculpture look like that person.

So, either he sucks as an artist at making his work look like whatever celebrity it's supposed to be, or he's deciding who it "is" after he's done.

And no, the "Burden of Proof" is on the artist to explain why we should accept that a sculpture of a named person is indeed that person when it looks nothing at all like that person.

[BrainStorm]

262. You wanna revisit the first sentence in your post?

"He is technically proficient enough to make his sculptures look like his named subjects, yet his works look nothing at all like them."

You are basically saying that the sculptures do look like the people he says they are, physically.

[Dangerously Amused]

265. No, I said it perfectly well the first time.

"He is technically proficient enough to make his sculptures look like his named subjects, yet his works look nothing at all like them."

What about that was unclear? It means he knows how to sculpt a face, but (apparently) that is all he knows how to do; he knows how to sculpt A face. Not a face that looks like anyone in particular, just A face. Big difference. And then (I suspect) he assigns a "currently in the news" name to the face to generate publicity, provided that the name is tangentally related to the bust, i.e., "It's a 20-30ish causasian female, hmmm... I'll say it's Britney. Let's see... this one is a 40-something black woman... I'll say it's Michelle."

I'm not saying that he is a bad artist per se, but I call BS on him trying to pass off his work as something it so clearly isn't.

And I say this as someone who sculpts figures and faces.

[BrainStorm]

271. No you didn't. In fact you are making it worse:

"He is technically proficient enough to make his sculptures look like his named subjects, yet his works look nothing at all like them."

What about that was unclear? It means he knows how to sculpt a face, but (apparently) that is all he knows how to do; he knows how to sculpt A face. Not a face that looks like anyone in particular, just A face.

:wtf:


He is technically proficient enough to make his sculptures look like his named subjects

he knows how to sculpt A face. Not a face that looks like anyone in particular, just A face.



These two sentences COMPLETELY contradict each other. Either the faces he sculpts look like the named subjects OR they don't. Which is it?

[Dangerously Amused]

278. Okay. He is *technically proficient* enough to sculpt a basic, anonymous human face.

Most artists can do that much.

However, (it appears that) he is not talented enough to capture the facial nuances necessary to make that face actually look like the named subject.


His sculptures do not look like the person he claims them to be.


I don't know how much simpler I can make this.

[BrainStorm]

281. If it were anonymous, then the Michelle and Hillary faces would be much closer than they are

He clearly is using their real faces as models and does approximate them.

And re this:

"I don't know how much simpler I can make this."

You could make things much simpler if you didn't contradict yourself in the same sentence. At least this time, you made one claim without making its opposite in the same sentence.

[Dangerously Amused]

285. I did not contradict myself in the same sentence.

My words were consistent and precise. Unfortunately you became confused when I used a marginally abstract concept ("technical proficiency") in a compound sentence. (Hint: The word "yet" modified the first clause in the sentence.)

Example: Michaelangelo had the technical proficiency to create a lifelike sculpture. That means Michaelangelo had the knowledge and the skill to create a lifelike sculpture. If Michaelangelo tried to create a lifelike sculpture with his eyes closed, he would STILL possess the TECHNICAL PROFICIENCY to create a lifelike sculpture, BUT the resulting sculpture would not be lifelike. Therefore one viewing the resulting sculpture might say, "Michaelangelo had the technical proficiency to create a lifelike sculpture, YET his sculpture did not look lifelike."

Michaelangelo might then open his eyes and name the resulting sculpture "BrainStorm." Those who know BrainStorm, but not Michaelangelo, would then be left to wonder whether Michaelangelo had the ability to make the statue look like BrainStorm but chose not to use that ability, or whether Michaelangelo never had that ability and chose the name BrainStorm hoping he could cash in on BrainStorm's pop icon status and get more money for a statue that doesn't look anything like BrainStorm.

Are we clear now? I hope so, because I am tired of having to spoon-feed this argument to you. And frankly I don't really care what your position is anymore. I'm outta here.

[BrainStorm]

291. Look at the original sentence you wrote.

The sentence contradicts itself. If you meant something else, you should have written it. Four new paragraphs explaining a faulty sentence doesn't help the original sentence.

[CTyankee]

205. Artists "making a buck off of celebrity" is interesting here.

Historically, artists have "made a buck off" of something. Take a look at Renaissance and Counter Reformation Italy: what would be do without having those artists in our culture? Really, folks, this is something that has been going on for a long, long time. Are we realy going to say we reject the MOna Lisa or the "Last Supper" because Leonardo was "making a buck off" of celebrity?

As for "bizarre adulation of the subject matter" we might as well throw out ALL of the art of Caravaggio, since his was the art of the counter Reformation. If it hadn't had been for the upsurge in interest in art by the Roman Catholic Church (and other patrons in Rome making huge profits from the exploitation of the New World) we would not have his works of surpassing beauty. AND, he was not exactly what we'd call a "good guy." He was thuggish and he was a murderer. Probably a bit psychotic. However, go look at his stuff today and tell ME he wasn't one of the world's greatest painters.

Just sayin'.

[BrainStorm]

207. An interesting post!

Thank you. It's really refreshing.

[CTyankee]

214. Well, thank you! Here we have the bloody crossroads of art and politics.

I think we need some perspective. We don't always encounter art on a friendly basis and this is true of liberals as well as conservatives.

This is too bad. Especially for us liberals, the conservatives not so much (their loss). But our loss, too, if we don't have a bit more perspective on art. We simply can't let our immediate passion override our reason here.

On another post on this subject I posted this image from google:

This painting was almost thrown in the trash by church officials who found it offensive and an indecent portrayal of the Virgin Mary's death by Caravaggio. Peter Paul Rubens saved it by suggesting that his patron take it off the hands of the church officials at a bargain rate. That painting hangs in the Louvre today.

[BrainStorm]

215. There are lots of "church officials" who want to throw art out.

And you're right, we need to take a step back. It's such a pleasure reading your posts. Thank you.

[CTyankee]

218. Hey, my pleasure. I did an independent study of Caravaggio in grad school.

I loved doing that course more than any other! I learned A LOT about art (I was a Liberal Studies major, not an art major).

It's just amazing how much the prevailing "wisdom" of the day just shut down artists and their works because of their preconceived ideas about art.

[BrainStorm]

222. It always seems to work that way.

It's a battle between self expression and recognized, sanctioned means of expression. It's all wound up in political power. Your posts were just such a find in this thread. Thank you.

[crispini]

248. Obviously I have some preconceived ideas

about "the proper subject matter for art" which I hadn't thought much about before. :P I myself enjoy art that informs, enlightens, or uplifts the spirit; that's what I go to art for. Of course there is much art that is designed to provoke, tweak, or annoy, and I think this sculptor is pretty clearly in that category.

[BrainStorm]

252. That's a good way to divide it up. But sometimes the tweaking does inform, enlighten

It all depends.

[Chan790]

266. I think art is in the eye of the beholder...

but it is my opinion that Daniel Edwards isn't a very good artist. His work rarely looks like the subject, is of questionable taste and is sensationalistic, lacks feeling. His statues lack vibrancy...they look dead. I think he's done intelligently thus to make statues of people depicted as dead.

He is technically-skilled but so is the guy who makes the jersey barriers at Washington Concrete Products down the street from my employer. I don't know anybody who looks at a jersey barrier and sees a work of art.

[BrainStorm]

272. You do realize that there are sculptures of giant paperclips

and all kinds of other things. Someone might see those concrete barriers as artistic representations of something in a particular setting.

[Chan790]

279. Oh certainly...

I'm an artist (sometimes and never a successful one).

I appreciate that anything can be art to someone and not all tastes are to everyone's palate. My point was exactly what I said in my first sentence...I don't like his work. I didn't say it wasn't art (Okay, I may have. I really hate his work), I argued for why it's emotionally-dead to me.

It clearly resonates with you in a way it does not for me. That's fine...most people hate Robert Mapplethorpe. (I don't. It was a image search leading to "Piss Christ" for a Poli. Sci paper that made me discover a passion for photography and nearly change my major to art and spend my last $500 on a camera.)

[BrainStorm]

283. Wow, no kidding!

I know that a lot of people are riveted by Mapplethorpe.

Do you do photography now?

[CTyankee]

289. Interesting. I am reminded that Picasso's cubism does not look anything "like"

what we would expect from his subject. For instance, he did a rendering of Delacroix's "Women of Algiers" cubistically. Of course, Picasso's version looks nothing like the original. Yet Picasso was so struck by this particular work that he painted it over 100 times in the space of one year (I envision him sitting with his little easel set up in front of the Delacroix painting in the Louvre working away, the way you see young artists doing at the Metropolitan Museum in New York!).

[BrainStorm]

294. Exactly

But something of the subject inspires the painting.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

30. since it looks exactly like her that counts as "a resemblance"

[polichick]

31. imo it doesn't look anything like her.

[BrainStorm]

33. Look at the face.

It's a very proud face too.

[polichick]

36. It's a proud face, that's true. But if I didn't know it was supposed to be Michelle...

...I would never have guessed it.

[BrainStorm]

41. Kurt is right about the eyebrows

It really is her.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

37. That relationship of brow and eyebrow is very distinctive on Michelle

[BrainStorm]

32. Look, this guy does sculptures of famous people.

You may not like his style, but this is what he does. He doesn't just decide to put a name on a sculpture just because.

[gmoney]

306. Check out the Obama logo earrings!

Could be worse... she could have Janet Jackson nipple shields.

[BrainStorm]

309. I LIKE the Obama logo earrings!

:D

[demokatgurrl]

49. Seems that way to me

unless she posed for it.

[truthisfreedom]

24. I think it started off as someone else and he just modified it with the earrings and flag to say it

is Michelle. I honestly think he was sculpting someone else and one of his fans said "that looks a little like Michelle" so he capitalized on the idea.

[BrainStorm]

26. Why do you think that?

Is there info?

[BrainStorm]

42. ?? Still waiting

NT

[yeswecan711]

34. that doesn't look anything like michelle. im confused.

[polichick]

38. I don't see it either - oh well.

[BrainStorm]

39. I think you're in denial here, and for the wrong reasons

The sculptor has created an ancient royal image for Michelle. I think it is really meant to elevate.

[EmeraldCityGrl]

47. I think it's beautiful. Although presumptuous of the artist

to detail her breasts which are a very personal, individual feature of each woman.

I'm sure he's never seen her nude.

[BrainStorm]

48. I get the discomfort with the breasts

But I really think he was trying to create an icon.

[seabeyond]

64. no.... you do not get it. n/t

[BrainStorm]

65. Why do you think I don't get it?

NT

[seabeyond]

68. because you make excuses, justify, and there is no excuse or justification

for going over the line in a person privacy. and surely michelles nakedness is hers and her alone to share as SHE choses.

[BrainStorm]

76. So maybe this is TMZ sculpture?

There's a lot of invasion of privacy.

[seabeyond]

89. tmz?.... so your position is a woman does not have any rights to her own nakedness

it is free to all that would like to abuse or insult or humiliate or degrade or subjugate.

well dude, i just shared this with my two young sons so they can get a feel how pathetic males have become. the very basic to human respect, to females are just foreign or doesn't matter.

[TankLV]

230. If they didn't tell me it was supposed to be obama's wife, I would never guess it at all...

I don't see it...

[SE7Nth]

45. Sweet, i saw a photo from another angle. It looks a lot like her and I like the Obama symbol ear...

earings as well as the flag on her chest. It's very well done.

[BrainStorm]

46. The artist is trying to create an icon, and I think he has done it.

It's an image of a very powerful black woman.

[seabeyond]

51. sarah nude hangin over a bar, porn film with sarah and hillary, a naked bust of michelle

a cartoon with mccain fuckin sarah doggie style

wtf though, us women aren't suppose to feel every one of these males are not trying in some way to degrade or subjugate female.

it is a piece of art that that doesnt look a thing like michelle and it is a piece i could appreciate.

but htat is not this mans intent, now is it..... and intent means everything

[BrainStorm]

53. I think this bust is very different from the pornography going around.

Michelle is also NOT a candidate. But she is a symbol and this artist has tried to give her iconic status.

Normally I would agree with you about the motives behind a bare breasted statue. But there is a much more noble intent here than in the porn crap being put out by partisans.

[seabeyond]

55. SOME women dont want to bare all to the world. i know this is a really

out there concept for males today, but what right does this man have to out her in nakedness if she doesnt want to be. are you saying women have NO right to stay clothed if they so chose

and where do you see respect or good intent in that scuplture titled michelle

[BrainStorm]

59. You have a good point.

But so much of art history is about outing the nakedness of women. Is it all wrong?

[seabeyond]

62. this is fuckin bullshit. it is an invasion and most all artists i know have models permission

this is like the asshole males that just a giggle as they cut and paste some femles head onto a porn shot with a womens leg spread to degrade, humiliate or/and subjagate and i am fuckin tired of it.

it is not outing "nakedness of women". it is creating the image of a partuicular woman naked. so you agree that a woman does NOT have the right to be clothed if she choses. she must be at hands of males to make her naked at their whim?

[Cali_Democrat]

52. LOL....what the hell is that?

HA!!

[dascientist]

56. It's pretty dope to me.

[Kind of Blue]

57. I'm an artist. It does look like Michelle. I find it insulting

Because to me that is not Michelle Obama. I guess I do not need to see her represented that way to know or be reminded that she is a beautiful and proud African-American woman. So what if some compare her to Jackie Kennedy? I think they're referring to class and dignity, and are not trying to whitewash Michelle. As a black woman, directly from Africa, I relate to Michelle just as she is. And pearls are my absolute favorites; it's loved by women globally, and not just a white thing. I love that African-Americans love our African heritage (a stark difference from when I first came here as a child in the late '60s and repeatedly beaten by African-American kids because I was from Africa) but Sheesh!, I think the bust is ridiculous. Michelle is an African-American woman, not an African woman. And not all of us run around bare breasted so the very symbolism of the bust is a stereotype that does not represent me or so many of Africa's myriad of cultures. The more I look at it the angrier I get.

[BrainStorm]

58. I don't think the artist saw it that way, but I can appreciate why it might anger you.

I don't think it's such a great thing to be compared to Jackie Kennedy though.

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,871957,00.html

[Kind of Blue]

66. Sorry, I meant to write sculptor, not author.

I'm getting up there in age but too young to remember the Kennedy administration and I'm sure for a woman of her time - raised with privilege, Jackie may have been politically a Dumb Dora. But growing up in this country, it seems to me the era symbolized a young, fresh, contemporary couple and Jackie brought classy modernism to the role of first lady. I'm thinking that's really where the comparison with Michelle Obama ends. I can't believe that the author thinks any woman living in this day and age believes women cannot reason beyond that. But again, I appreciate the link and can't wait to dig into it.:hi:

[BrainStorm]

79. The link is interesting. An old Time Mag from 1960

I really think Michelle needs her own kind of symbolism. Maybe this sculpture is inappropriate to some, but it's an attempt to wrestle with Michelle's uniqueness as first Black First Lady.

[seabeyond]

60. more I look at it the angrier I get. ... me too. AND

i hadnt even looked at it from your perspective, but from the perspective that our male population seems to feel that a woman has NO right to be clothed if she so choses.

but yours even even more offensive in the stereotype that you remind us of

geezus, i am so sick and tired of being sick and tired of the stupid fuckin male

[Kind of Blue]

72. Indeed! Let's not compare Michelle to Jackie so let's sexualize her instead.

Growing up in my household, we had tons of African busts (male and female, nude and clothed) on the walls. It was only watching television or stepping outside that I came to realize that the nudes were considered indecent. I love nudes and paint nudes all the time, and once upon a time they were considered the symbol of purity and closer to God, whereas clothed figures were earthly and material, but never so in this country. So I just feel the sculptor should have taken nudity into consideration when sculpting such a fine woman who, more than her Africaness, symbolizes intelligence, progress, and the very essence of her husband's campaign is for higher consciousness.

[BrainStorm]

80. Jackie was sexualized too, but mores were different 50 years ago.

If Jackie were around now, we might get the same kind of thing. Remember, this artist also did a bust of Hillary Clinton.

[csziggy]

85. Was his bust of Hillary Clinton nude also?

[BrainStorm]

87. Yes. (see below)

[csziggy]

91. To me that looks no more like Hillary than the current one looks like Michelle

But I am not good at seeing monocolor statues and getting a good idea of what they look like in real life three dimensions. I think Hillary and Michelle are much more attractive than his depictions.

[BrainStorm]

92. I actually thought the Michelle depiction was better than the Hillary one but

Neither one is a warm depiction.

[csziggy]

109. I can see a little of each woman in their images, but from the shots of each

I would not know who they were supposed to be unless told.

Maybe they look better in person. :shrug:

[BrainStorm]

111. Hmmm

Let me take a closer look.

[SweetieD]

102. No. Hillary was wearing a bra or corset. I've seen a lot of this guys work.

He has done nudes. But the Hillary bust, Hillary is wearing a strapless bra. If you find a more upclose picture you will see it better but you can even see it in your picture.

[BrainStorm]

106. It looks naked.

There's a suggestion of clothing.

[SweetieD]

125. No it appears like a bust of a female with a bra on. He could have easily put a bra on Michelle but

chose not too as he did with the Hillary. I wonder why?

[BrainStorm]

128. Maybe at 60, Hillary needs the support?

:evilgrin:

[seabeyond]

188. another little jab at females that age.

and you wonder why i am nasty?

[BrainStorm]

190. It was a joke, and as I need that kind of support, I thought it was funny.

I'd love to be able not to wear a bra. But that age went by too many years ago.

[seabeyond]

195. well

i will tell you brainstorm, i enjoy you on so many other threads. i can even see that same poster on this thread. i think that you are missing the bigger picture cause of you love of art. as i have said in other post. i can appreciate the art, this piece. but i dont think the intent or the message was menat to be kind, or good or respectful.

naked picture of palin on a chicago bar, porn film of palin and hillary, cartoon have palin being fucked in doggie style by mccain, a sculpture of michelle baring here naked breasts. i dont see the respect or decency.

but i am going to leave you alone to play in this thread

the best

[BrainStorm]

196. Thanks, seabeyond. We agree on most other things.

But I am passionate about artistic expression.

[Fire1]

209. I have my ideas why.

[csziggy]

211. Actually on the Hillary bust I thought someone had "airbrushed" out the nipples

You know, like they used to do for Playboy pics back in the Dark Ages. :eyes:

[BrainStorm]

212. Yeah, it did have that look

That's why I thought she was naked and not clothed.

[BrainStorm]

243. Actually the title of the piece is: HILLARY TOPLESS

"The nude study of Senator Hillary Clinton used in creating her first portrait as U.S. President is featured in a documentary now viewable at YouTube.com, the net’s leading video download site. “Hillary’s Bust”, an eight-minute short produced by Goodnight Film, reveals the sexy origins of a statue of the former First Lady planned for display at New York’s Museum of Sex. The film contains the only footage taken of an unclothed preparatory study of Hillary Clinton’s upper torso used for developing the heroic-scaled “Presidential Bust of Hillary Rodham Clinton: First Woman President of the United States of America”."

[Kind of Blue]

115. I hated that one to :)

:rofl: :rofl::rofl::rofl:I guess i just don't like his work, his depiction of women always rubs me the wrong way.

[BrainStorm]

82. As an African, what do you think of the intellectual movement to make Egypt a part of Black History?

http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,157721,00.html

"Afrocentrism is a culturally passionate and sometimes intellectually troubling development that is becoming something like a new religion in the African-American community. During his Albany lecture, Jeffries spoke feelingly about the need for black Americans to look into the past for their heroic selves. One important component of Afrocentric scholarship is a political-cultural exercise that attempts to appropriate the civilization of ancient Egypt as a black African phenomenon. Everyone must have his memories."

http://homepages.nyu.edu/~ih2/DRJ.html

[Kind of Blue]

148. "appropriate the civilization of ancient Egypt as a black African phenomenon"

"Appropriation" Umph! As if the nation started in Western Civilization and Africans/African-Americans are trying to swipe it as their own. It's funny how Egypt miraculously detached itself from the Nile Delta and just sailed on into the Middle East, as if its indigenous Blacks of antiquity were never ever there. It's not just a matter of geography that is insulting, but I do think more of a scientific approach has to be employed, as that of the late Prof. Cheikh Anta Diop, to reassess Africa's role in developing early civilizations to its culmination in Egypt. I think this is the key because there will be no need to look for an heroic self - the evidence is already there.

[BrainStorm]

151. Exactly. And I see this bust of Michelle as reflecting Egypt as African

and African Americans as having a long lineage back to Egypt.

[Kind of Blue]

165. Yes. Yes. I see your point completely. I have to respond later

because I have to start dinner now and the natives (my family) are getting restless. I have a feeling you're an artist and I like how you've kept up with all the comments and not give into anger. Well done, Brainstorm! Bye for now. :)

[BrainStorm]

167. Nice to meet you tcdq.

And yes, I am in the arts. :hi:

[Balderdash]

67. Much like John Ashcroft and the naked breasts

of Lady Justice some people are appalled by the beautiful figure of a woman just as she was meant to be. Maybe we should cover the bust with a curtain. It is art and it is beautiful. Think of all the Greek statues of the naked male form do we consider that to be pornography? I see nothing wrong with a portrayal of Michelle Obama as Nefertiti like.

[seabeyond]

69. what if SHE is bothered with it. does that count at all. is that part of the equation at all

or is it all about lecturing on how we interpret art

as an art piece, i think it is great. i can truly appreciate. sticking a womans name on it that may not want to be presented to the world with bare breast is what is offensive. does she not have the right to say NO i dont want my bare breast shown?

[Balderdash]

70. Of course and did she object?

[Kind of Blue]

74. I'm sure the artist could care less if Michelle objects.

The bust is doing exactly what he wants, being "controversial." And if Michelle does object publicly, the better for the artist. Either way he wins.

[seabeyond]

75. was she asked? seems to me there are those that feel she doesnt warrant being

asked if she would like to be presented to the world.... naked.

[BrainStorm]

81. I'd be interested to know what her reaction is.

NT

[Chan790]

277. I don't think anybody has the right you're positing.

Art is not the subject of the artwork (that is, the statue depicting Michelle Obama is not Michelle Obama herself), it is the artist's depiction of the subject. One may have the right of one's likeness (I'd disagree but the court system doesn't except in some limited circumstances.) but not one's depiction and the difference is vital. Some very basic premises of artistic freedom are predicated upon that difference.

It might be tacky or offensive to display the hideous statue at the heart of this thread or a naked painting of Sarah Palin or a photograph of a crucifix in a vat of urine and call it "Piss Christ"...but it's still art. Sometimes art is {shocking, voyeuristic, revolting, infuriating, demeaning to its' subject, disturbing,...}

What a boring place museums would be if it were not? Just because it's not to your liking does not make it invalid.

[BrainStorm]

282. Good post, thank you.

:hi:

[seabeyond]

288. of course it is not a legal right and i was not suggesting it was when i put forth

the question. before "everything goes and free for all", either an artist would chose not to do this cause it is just damn tacky or society would ridicule and humiliate him down.

but the argument for me is the infringement this man made on michelle chosing to present her such. i am so tired of respect and decency taking a back seat to someone self interest.

[BrainStorm]

292. But if it's not a legal right, then we are only arguing about an artist's choice

And that's certainly arguable.

[seabeyond]

296. i am talking about who we are as people and respect for one another. i understand it is an outdated

concept.

michelle has the right to present herself to nation as she chooses. she has the right to be clothed to the public if she so chooses.

why this is beyond your concept, i really really do not understand

it is no different than cut and pasting a females face on a porno shot, implying it is that woman spreading legs for a camera. that is not against the law. but it is morally wrong and infringes on the woman that chose to not strip down for public.

[BrainStorm]

304. You are talking the language of rights, but these are not legal rights

I think you are trying to make a case for moral rights of some kind, but these are not protected by law.

[BrainStorm]

176. Now no one wants to see John Ashcroft's naked breasts!

:rofl:

Kidding, kidding....

[LuckyLib]

71. I didn't realize that this was done by someone actually considered an "artist" -- it looks like a

piece from one of those Canal Street shops in NYC that sells African Art -- I thought he'd just titled it Michelle Obama, and the Freepers had jumped on it!

[BrainStorm]

77. No. it's a real artist

But obviously not a favorite one. ;)

[Name removed]

86. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Sparkly]

90. "Unveiled to the public?" It's sitting on a suitcase.

:eyes:

[BrainStorm]

122. It is at the Leo Kesting Gallery. The Chinese news carried it:

http://www.chinadaily.net/world/2008-09/18/content_7038036.htm

[gemlake]

95. When do we get Todd Palin's nude statute?

Just saying.

[seabeyond]

98. or mccain sagging old body, or bush and his little itsy bitsy teeney weeney dick

it is all about defining womans worth.

[Vattel]

220. careful what you wish for n/t

[BrainStorm]

228. LOL!!!!!!

:D

[jrockford]

99. I think it's rubbish. There better be a plaque saying who it is. Christ.... nt

I think the comparisons to Michelle and Jackie are regarding being "classy". I think the comparisons end there.

[seabeyond]

100. so take class away from michelle and make her naked..... cause we sure dont want a black

woman to rival any white woman for class

[BrainStorm]

123. And no white women are depicted naked???

Come on.

[seabeyond]

126. the comment was comparing class and jacki and michelle per the artists perception and intent

your question is not relevent.

[BrainStorm]

127. Ah, it's only relevant when you say it is. I get it. Well, here's a Uk paper on it:

http://blogs.dailymail.com/donsurber/2008/09/18/yikes/

"If it were any other sculptor, I’d say tasteless.

But this is what the guy does."

[seabeyond]

147. when your question actually has something to do with my post. not a tough

duh, here.

[BrainStorm]

154. You only make the narrowest of connections and you are really nasty

Talk about attacking another DUer. I attacked the aesthetics of a photo. You attack my character with every post. Why are you not following the rules that you are clobbering me over the head with?

[ThatsMyBarack]

101. That's not her!

:wtf: That's just a bust of an African tribal lady with Michelle's face sculpted on it.

[BrainStorm]

113. It's an African Queen and it's a rendition

of what the artist thinks her role is.

[ThatsMyBarack]

120. Ohhh, I get it.

Thanks, Brainstorm. :hi:

[last1standing]

103. My own opinion is that this artist uses famous subjects to gain attention.

It's his only way of overcoming his obvious lack of creativity or talent (really, this looks nothing like Michelle Obama). By making everything so controversial (Britney Spears giving birth, Suri Cruise's first bowel movement...) he's able to make a name for himself and rake in cash for junk.

That being said, I'm a little surprised by the calls for censorship I'm reading in some of these posts. The freedom to create whatever statement one wishes is possibly the greatest gift this nation ever brought to the world. Why would anyone want to take that back?

[BrainStorm]

117. The title of the work is "Michelle Obama's Makeover for America"

I think it is really meant in admiration. That's how it seems to me.

[Erin Elizabeth]

105. OMG, ROFL. This is from the same guy who did the Britney Spears

sculpture of her giving birth while on her hands and knees.

:rofl:

Give me a break.

[BrainStorm]

108. One very positive response: "All hail, Queen Michelle!"

http://reflight.blogspot.com/2008/09/bust-of-future-first-lady-revealed.html


"A gallery spokesman said: "Look out Oprah, a new 'Lady O's' in charge. Michelle Obama inspires a fashion template change that many First Ladies of the 21st Century may follow, as we witness minorities in this country becoming the majority."

The sculpture forms part of the Inspire America series by Edwards, which includes the Oprah Sarcophagus, and The Iraq War Memorial, featuring a work which depicts Prince Harry as if he had died in combat clutching the cameo-locket of his late mother, Princess Diana."

[TooRaLoo]

107. Looks nothing like her.

I don't get this guy's need to "Africanize" her. And "artist" or not, while I'm not a fan of Brittney Spears, I thought his sculpture of her was tasteless. I feel the same way about Suri's "poo". I don't believe provocative always = art. To each his own, but that's my opinion.

[BrainStorm]

110. I think there's a lot of admiration in this sculpture for Michelle

unlike some of his others.

[TooRaLoo]

116. Yes, I know you do, I've read the thread.

And I disagree with you on this.

[BrainStorm]

119. OK. Fair enough.

NT

[SweetieD]

129. I don't think it looks like Michelle at all either. I don't have an issue with the look or theme of

the artwork, but to say it is Michelle Obama is a weird to me since it doesn't look like her.

[BrainStorm]

132. It looks like her to me, although it is more idealized than her real self

But I guess it's in the eye of the beholder.

[TooRaLoo]

150. Agreed. If it wasn't supposed to be Michelle specifically, I'd like it. nt

edit: Well, I THINK I'd like it. Hard to say.

[BrainStorm]

155. So if you might like the sculpture otherwise, why hate it as Michelle?

I don't get that. I think the sculpture is incredibly powerful.

[TooRaLoo]

183. What you see as powerful, I see as hype to make money.

If it weren't being called Michelle, there would be no hype. But it's hard to see it in any other light, because it's been presented to me as Michelle Obama. If I thought it was a representation of general African pride about Obama (the earrings would give that away), that might be different. I don't hate it, per se, but because it's "supposed" to be Michelle, and because of his past work, I just don't see it. He's looking for sensation, and he got it. Like I said, each to his own, but to me that's not Michelle. I would be surprised if Michelle was asked about it, and said, "Yeah, I want to be portrayed as a(n African) queen." I just don't think that's who she is.

Eye of the beholder, and all that.

[BrainStorm]

185. Hi Board Nanny. :)

Get this one deleted too, eh? :)

[TooRaLoo]

191. Wow.

You're so busy with this childishness that you don't care about honest answers to your questions. If you don't like what I have to say, 1. stop asking me questions, and 2. put me on ignore. This is beyond ridiculous.

[BrainStorm]

193. When you're honest about the facts above, then I'll listen to you,

Until then, I have no further interest in your comments. You may talk to yourself if you wish. I imagine you do that alot. :)

[TooRaLoo]

200. Thank you!

Maybe you'll stop asking for responses you don't actually want now. I don't give a shit either way, since I do have myself for company. :D

[BrainStorm]

202. I only asks for facts.

You've provided none.

[Zookeeper]

112. I don't think it represents her energy at all.

He was trying to avoid a Jackie Kennedy comparison and instead he went for an "Angry Black Woman" stereotype.

It's ok as a sculpture, but silly as a representation of Michelle Obama.

[BrainStorm]

114. No no no....it's queenly. Remember how Jackie was talked about as "the queen of America"

when she died? Well, this is Queen Michelle.

http://reflight.blogspot.com/2008/09/bust-of-future-first-lady-revealed.html

[Kind of Blue]

156. "Angry Black Woman?" Well, I don't like the sculpture either

but I certainly see no anger whatsoever in the demeanor of the bust. Strong and Proud, yes. Yeah, I understand it's in the eye of the beholder, but sometimes I wonder about the use of that statement. I mean if a black woman is not smiling does that make her angry? The stereotype here, to me, is the sexualization of Michelle Obama through another depiction of a bare breasted African woman.

[BrainStorm]

160. It is proud. And "fierce" like a Tyra Banks fierce

Not angry.

[Zookeeper]

311. I don't necessarily dislike the sculpture. I just don't think it does...

Michelle Obama justice. You read Strong and Proud, I read stereotype.

Michelle Obama is more human and multifaceted than this sculpture suggests.

On edit: I'm an artist, I don't do Wal-mart art or Thomas Kinkaid. I'm just tired of this particular kind of ironic art. This artist's work reminds me of Jeff Koons on some level. The whole genre is tiresome.

[potone]

131. I don't care what his intentions were.

This is ugly, and it looks nothing like Michele Obama. My God, isn't it enough what her husband is going through? The insensitivity of this is appalling.

[BrainStorm]

138. It is not ugly. It's incredibly impressive. Have we all turned into Jesse Helms?

I know he's dead, but do we really need to resurrect him?

[potone]

298. Sorry but I don't agree.

And I don't appreciate being compared to Jesse Helms. I lived in North Carolina when he was senator and I know very well what he was like. I simply don't think that this sculpture looks at all like Michele Obama, and I think that the artist is using her to increase his own publicity.

[PfcHammer]

134. Awesome breastes. She has my vote for Pres and VP

Can we see her bootie too? :rofl:

[BrainStorm]

136. You're a nasty boy and you know it.

It's a statement, not porn.

[Fire1]

139. How do you defend or rationalize this?? Did she pose for this?

[BrainStorm]

140. It's an Imperial Egyptian image. The artist is trying to create an icon

that isn't a pasty faced white woman. What the fuck is wrong with that?

[Lady-Damai]

143. self delete

[Lady-Damai]

144. Excuse me? An Imperial Egyptian image?!

I have never seen any Egyptian Queens or Nubian Queens topless. As for the pasty faced white woman comment. Take that foolishness to a craigslist forum.

[BrainStorm]

157. The artist's other work is also inspired by Egypt:

http://www.caplakesting.com/danedwards/index.htm

Look at the Oprah sculptures

[Lady-Damai]

179. Did anyone buy that piece? If he's work is inspired by Egypt as you say...

What's up with Oprah and Michelle being topless?


I don't remember the great Queens of Africa being topless. Their servants maybe....


Unless maybe that's what Daniel Edwards is trying to imply that Michelle Obama and Oprah are simply just servants.

[BrainStorm]

186. You wouldn't make a bust or sarcophagus of a servant

I think goes without saying.

[Lady-Damai]

197. Hmmm....so there was never any sarcophagus of a servant at any point ancient Egyptian history??

Again.....What is the purpose of Oprah and Michelle Obama being topless?

[BrainStorm]

201. What is the purpose of any nude? The Western tradition is full of them.

I'm not sure what your implication is here.

[Lady-Damai]

216. Why are we going around in circles? I don't care that "Western tradition" full of nudes.

My question is very simple.....

What is purpose of Oprah being half naked and Michelle being topless?

[BrainStorm]

223. You'd have to ask the artist, but often depictions of goddesses were naked.

I see a Venus of Willendorf effect in the Michelle sculpture.

[Lady-Damai]

244. I see a useless attention seeking asshat who depicts famous ppl in vulgar way.

You see the Venus of Willendorf effect in the Michelle sculpture?

Interesting....





What did you think of Edwards sculpture entitled "Suri's bronzed baby poop"?

[BrainStorm]

246. I thought the poop sculpture was funny--a commentary on celebrity culture

and the idiocy of the entertainment press.

Your turn: What art do you like?

[Lady-Damai]

259. As an artist....Different things inspire me.... I don't try over-think art.

To me art is about emotions.

The art that speaks to me is Surrealism at this in point in my life.



Edouard Wah

[BrainStorm]

260. What an interesting piece.

It's like a series of optical illusions.

[Fire1]

152. It's hard enough getting people to see past the color line, the

'radical' stereotype and the 'fear' that the 'white' house will suddenly turn into kente cloths, fried chicken and watermelon. Now, we've got to defend THIS?? For the benefit of the democrats working diligently to get them in the white house, you would think Michelle and Barack would not make this effort any harder than it already is. Like the saying goes, "WORK WITH ME, HERE". They need to thank this artist, put it AWAY somewhere and PRAY the press doesn't get a hold of it.

[BrainStorm]

159. Actually, this is more in line with Leonard Jeffries and the Egypt-African American connection

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,157721,00.html

[Lady-Damai]

141. Daniel Edwards is a artist who simply tries too hard to be different.

It must be sad to be him....

[BrainStorm]

142. Actually, he's just making commentary. And I think he is in awe of Michelle

That's what the bust looks like to me.

[Lady-Damai]

149. I think Daniel Edwards is a useless bum...that needs controversy to display he's work.

[BrainStorm]

280. Fortunately, art is not dependent on your judgement

or your biases.

[Starry Messenger]

145. He's a conceptual artist whose medium is publicity.

The sculpture is not really his art. He makes them, but not just for themselves. It's discussions like this in the media and amongst ourselves that is his actual desired outcome.

http://www.culturekiosque.com/art/news/paris-hilton-autopsy.html

edit: clarification

[BrainStorm]

158. Oh, very interesting.

Then it's achieved its purpose.

[Starry Messenger]

164. He's the new Jeff Koons.

http://www.sfmoma.org/msoma/artworks/88.html

Not that Koons is dead or anything. But he's more mainstream now. I think Edwards is taking up the standard of guerrilla art. He has the internet to play with now, so he gets more of a viral reach. Interesting strategy.

[BrainStorm]

166. Guerilla Art. It reminds me of the DIY movement in the 90s

and third wave feminism in its intent.

[Starry Messenger]

172. Well, sort of.

My old and cynical self says that most of these bomb-throwers eventually get absorbed by the museum narrative, tenure at a nice private college and plenty of undergrads to snog. :)

[BrainStorm]

174. Damn bastids sell out!

Very few people who remain true to themselves, I guess.

Some of the DIY movement did remain true to itself, however. There is a large lesbian underground in the art/music scene that helps out our own.

[Starry Messenger]

177. I agree. I admire the DIY movement.

I live in an area with a lot of zine/book press type stuff that I love.

[BrainStorm]

178. Me too.

I want to get into that myself. I think blogging has taken energy from some of the zines.

[anigbrowl]

146. I like it, myself, although it is pretty much attention-seeking

But hey, I like sculpture in general. Too bad some here are going all Republican-stylee and saying that people should not make art about certain subjects. I predict a future museum placement.

[seabeyond]

153. it is not going republican to be respectful enough to female to let THEM decide their nakedness

i like sculpture too. i like this piece. i do not like that he takes away from michelle her decisions with her body and what to do with it for all to see. at the point of putting her name on it without her permission, THAT stepped over the line

surely respect isnt just a republican position

[BrainStorm]

162. "surely respect isnt just a republican position" ???

What?

[anigbrowl]

168. I don't find it disrespectful

I don't think he's taking away her decision over what to do with her body in the least. Maybe it's because I'm european, but I just amn't exercised about about the nakedness issue.

[BrainStorm]

170. We tend to get all bent out of shape in the US.

What country are you from?

[anigbrowl]

180. Ireland, via UK, Spain, Netherlands

Frankly, he'd probably get a government grant for it in some places.

[BrainStorm]

189. Wow. I'm jealous. (I won't ask about the weather, though)

Artists are so much better supported in Europe.

[seabeyond]

182. except no one on the thread has a problem with arts nakedness. that isnt the issue

and is a strawman argument to dismiss a womans right to present herself to public clothed or naked.

[anigbrowl]

192. I don't feel this is a matter of individual rights, or women's rights.

I can paint a picture of Sarah Palin nude if I feel like it, without consulting with her. For that matter I can paint a picture of Dick Cheney in the buff. I think this is entirely up to the artist, although of course you are equally entitled to suggest it is tasteless to do so.

[seabeyond]

198. as i did. and many other posters. n/t

[BrainStorm]

203. Exactly. That is what art is about.

I think we should embrace this. It's about diversity and openness and strength and hope. It's a wonderful piece.

[NoodleyAppendage]

161. What!? He forgot to put the bone in her nose!! How dare he!!

I mean what self-respecting, hype racist artist would sculpt that without including the bone...which you know all African-Americans have in their noses, along with running around in Africa garb and topless.

J

[BrainStorm]

163. Come on. It's a queen. Not a bone in the nose.

Jesus, y'all are starting to sound like Jesse Helms.

[NoodleyAppendage]

169. Those with IQs above 100 (aka. Dems) understand...but the Repukes will see a racist stereotype.

I guess the piece is doing what it was intended to do. Quite Dada, I guess, but sometimes controversial art works against the intended effect. The Repukes will latch on this piece and use it in their signature lines as a racist jab...you watch.

J

[BrainStorm]

171. This is always a problem with art. There is always a group of "freepers" of one sort or another

who will take it the wrong way and use it for their own rotten imaginings. The question is whether we should allow a potential freeper response to destroy what, for some of us, is an incredibly powerful image. Art is always full of questions like that.

[seabeyond]

184. where have you proven that this artists intent was not to insult michelle.

why is your interpretation the correct one even though it goes against most everyone on the board

when did we decide that this truly was to give michelle her own "icon" and not a way to diss the woman.

[BrainStorm]

194. Where have you proven that it was?

Everything the artist has written about it has been about making Michelle iconic.

Is you want to prove that he meant to be negative, you need to do better than just attack me.

[Fire1]

204. They won't believe until it's too late. I give.

[TooRaLoo]

206. That's why I kind of wonder how on earth it could be an homage to her.

Surely the artist is smart enough to know how the Repukes would respond to this.

[NoodleyAppendage]

245. It's like that the artist knows that the representation will be controversial...that's the point.n/t

J

[BrainStorm]

247. And it has caused a discussion about Michelle's iconic status

That, I think is interesting.

[npincus]

181. why are her t*ts showing? It's cheesy and undignified.

[BrainStorm]

210. Why do you call them tits?

That's the undignified part. Not the art itself.

[Captain Hilts]

287. Calling them 'tits' is undignified. nt

[BrainStorm]

290. Yep

NT

[Ironguy]

187. Not good...

Not a very good thing... I hope this ends up in someone's closet.

[BrainStorm]

295. I disagree

I think it is an amazing piece.

[malik flavors]

199. I actually think it's worth a bit more thought than just instant outrage.

There is something intriguing about it.

Michelle is a strong black woman, and you can't deny that this conveys that.

She's not like past first ladies.

It might not be the most flattering portrayal, but it has qualities worth admiring, imo.

[BrainStorm]

208. It was the strength that I saw in it that sold me on it.

And it's so NOT Pat Nixon or Nancy Reagan. It depicts Michelle as the force she is.

[Bryn]

217. I think it's beautiful

Looks like Egyptian Queen and looks like Michelle. It reminds me of what France does. Michelle is the 1st for America!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne


Marianne, a national emblem of the French Republic, is, by extension, a <[personification>alagory] of Liberty and Reason. She represents France, as a State, and its values (as opposed to the "Gallic rooster" representing France as a nation and its history, land and culture). She is displayed in many places in France and holds a place of honour in town halls and law courts. She symbolises the "Triumph of the Republic", a bronze sculpture overlooking the Place de la Nation in Paris.


The official busts of Marianne, after having had anonymous features, being represented by women of the people, began taking on the features of famous women starting in 1969, with the actress Brigitte Bardot <1>. She was followed by Mireille Mathieu (1978), Catherine Deneuve (1985), Inès de la Fressange (1989), Laetitia Casta (2000) and Évelyne Thomas (2003).

[BrainStorm]

224. Yes yes!! You got it!

THANK YOU!

[Raine]

219. WTF?!?! How about doing a nude of Cindy

how come we don't see one like that! :mad:

[BrainStorm]

225. Because there'd be nothing to really see. Cindy makes no impression on society.

Michelle does. I think he depicts her as a goddess here.

[RollWithIt]

221. It's a nice sculpture, but it looks nothing like Michelle Obama.....

Maybe a little bit in the lips? But that is about it. The cheekbones are off. The eyes are off. Not even the eyebrows match up. Hair, where do I start on the hair.

That's a nubian princess sculpture. Should be called that, but the artist wanted some attention. He does have talent, it's just not as advertised.

[BrainStorm]

227. Actually, the eyebrows are pretty close.

I do see Michelle in this. If you look at his other work, the depictions are not photo-perfect. They are also representations more than replicas.

[Haole Girl]

226. What does Michelle Obama say about it?

Just curious.

You know... in all my years following politics, I thought I'd seen it all. Obviously, I was mistaken.

[BrainStorm]

229. I haven't seen a response, but I am very interested in it as well.

NT

[Haole Girl]

232. Please send me a PM if you find out, ok? Thanks! nt

[BrainStorm]

235. You bet.

As soon as I know.

[seabeyond]

239. per a few posters here, it really doesnt matter what she says, how she feels

she is totally irrelevent.

[BrainStorm]

241. It's art.

Sigh.

[seabeyond]

249. and because it is "art" the person, human, one with feelings, doesnt matter

i get it. she is irrelevent. because.... it is art.

[BrainStorm]

253. Think about shows like Saturday Night Live--they don't get permission

before they skewer people without their permission. And they are not exactly art, though you could make an argument that they are.

[Vattel]

231. It's really wierd

that people on this site have a huge problem with this. Is it only the bare breasts? I think the bare breasts help to convey the almost goddess-like strength and pride of Michelle (as the artist presents her). Personally, I think it's a bit trite and cartoonish, but I doubt that Michelle would be so small-minded that she would be insulted by it.

[BrainStorm]

237. Yes. It's a goddess strength.

That's what I see in it. Archetypal.

[yodoobo]

233. Put those away. you could take someones eye out

I dunno. I guess I'm not cultured enough to appreciate it.

[BrainStorm]

238. I'd say not.

:p

[Balderdash]

256. I doubt that this bust will get a place in the White House

but I like it. It's not great but as an icon I can see where the artist is going and making his Michelle bust a proud Egyptian Nefertiti like Queen is pretty cool.

[BrainStorm]

257. Yeah, somehow I doubt it will be the official sculpture of Michelle Obama

But it's kind of a shame that it can't be.

[nomorewhopper]

261. lmao i actually love the sculpture, but the fact that it is supposed to be michelle is creepy

[BrainStorm]

263. Why is it creepy?

NT

[Triana]

264. That looks NOTHING like her. If I were her, I'd ask to have it taken down. Ick. n/t

[BrainStorm]

284. Well she hasn't made a comment on it yet

Still waiting.

[blue neen]

268. I'm not an art expert, but I do not like this.

Michelle Obama is an American icon, not Egyptian. If the artist really wanted to honor her, then he would have depicted her as HERSELF; a finer representation of a strong and dignified woman you could not find. Who the hell does this artist think he is to ASSIGN her a "signature look"? She is perfectly capable of doing that on her own and has done so quite well, thank you.

That goddess stuff you keep mentioning? IMHO, Michelle Obama wants to be her own kind of First Lady, not a goddess, or Jackie Kennedy, or Nefertiti. Michelle defines who she is. Daniel Edwards doesn't, I don't, and you don't.

Yeah, he wants to provide her a "signature look" to take to Washington, and that would include being topless? Baloney. He's trying to make a "signature name" for himself.

[Mz Pip]

273. I am an artist

and I think it sucks.

Are all significan Black women to be lumped in with Nefertiti? This is stereotype and not particularly well done as well.

[BrainStorm]

275. I think it's more reflective of a pan-African connection to Egypt.

http://www.inetmgrs.com/onepeoples/african_origins_of_science.htm

[BrainStorm]

276. I think it's more reflective of a pan-African connection to Egypt.

http://www.inetmgrs.com/onepeoples/african_origins_of_science.htm

[Zookeeper]

312. Ding! Ding! Ding! I'm also an artist and I think it sucks as a....

representation of any particular black woman, especially Michelle Obama. It's not a archetype, it's a stereotype.

[BrainStorm]

317. A stereotype of Egyptian inspired goddesshood?

Maybe.

[BrainStorm]

274. Do you know what Michelle thinks about Leonard Jeffries?

And the emphasis on Egypt as connected to African Americans?

[democracy1st]

286. what a stupid a... statue doesn't even look like her

[BrainStorm]

293. I think it does.

And I like the strength in it.

[Chovexani]

297. This thread is seriously depressing.

I appreciate your replies.

I actually love this piece. It's powerful and invokes archetypes. I don't think it's racist or hateful or stereotypical at all. I think it's fucking bad ass.

I guess the majority of these posters must have large Kinkade collections or something.

[Forkboy]

299. I'm with you. I like it, too.

Some overly defensive and sensitive people on this thread. I'd hate to see what they think of my art. :evilgrin:

[Chovexani]

300. I'm not a visual artist, just a writer

But I'm sure since I don't write about puppies and kittens I probably wouldn't pass muster either...

[Forkboy]

301. I drew a kitten once.

It was in a zombie's hand as he leaned over a baby's crib. :rofl:

[BrainStorm]

305. I think it's all that Wal Mart art.

:)

[blue neen]

315. The beauty of any piece of art is, of course, in the eye of the beholder.

Posters on this thread who do not agree with your assessment of this statue do not deserve to be ridiculed for their taste.

My personal favorite piece of artwork is a self-portrait of Rembrandt that hangs in the National Gallery in Washington. When I first saw this painting, it actually took my breath away.

There was an artist from our area who was famous for her landscapes and whose paintings are quite prized by collectors in this neck of the woods. Her name was Alice Sturgeon, and I am lucky enough to own 3 of her pieces...but, to be honest they don't quite appeal to my aesthetically.

Guess what? I do own a Thomas Kinkade. It was given to me as a gift after my mother passed away earlier this year. I cherish it because of the thought behind it.

You sound like you admire Michelle Obama very much, and we sure are in agreement on that point!

:)

[BrainStorm]

316. I suppose we'll have to agree to disagree on art

But we can agree on Michelle. :)

[marshall]

302. Stunning

The guy's work may be quirky, but she looks stunning.

[BrainStorm]

303. I agree!

:D

[CTyankee]

310. You know, if this is in a first rate museum, there must be some vetting going on.

I'm not particularly fond of it but I can see how it passes the vetting of art. I am not sure of its durability as art but I see how it appeals.

We don't really know, do we? I mean, it really doesn't matter whether we like it or not, it is there and that's that, right?

Basically, I don't care. He has created this thing. I like it but I don't think it is great art. However, I know that my contemporary judgement is not dispositive in this case. Art has a way of "surprising' all of us, doesn't it!

[renie408]

313. Well, he nailed the 'not like Jackie Kennedy' thing...n/t

[Zookeeper]

314. I hate to break it to you, but it's an publicity stunt on the part of the..

artist. It's "ironic" just like his Britney Spears crap.