Artist Accuses DHS of Stealing and Renaming His Piece for a Social Media Post Celebrating 'Homeland's Cultural Legacy'
Artist's Painting Used without Permission by U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Morgan Weistling, an American painter known for his realistic depictions of American frontier life, has expressed his displeasure over the unauthorised use of his painting "New Life in A New Land" by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The oil painting, titled "A Prayer for a New Life" in the context of the DHS's use, features a white pioneer couple with their newborn in a covered wagon. The DHS posted the image on their social media accounts with a caption invoking American heritage.
Weistling, who sells prints of his paintings through Focus on the Family's online store, stated that the usage was a violation of his copyright on the painting. He also expressed his dismay, claiming that the incident ruined his vacation and that his artwork was taken without his consent.
The use of the painting drew widespread criticism for promoting a selective and exclusionary vision of American identity that overlooks the histories of Indigenous peoples, Black cowboys, and Chinese immigrants. Critics argue that this portrayal ignores the diverse and complex nature of America's past.
Morgan Weistling, who previously worked as an illustrator for films and video games, has an ongoing partnership with conservative evangelical nonprofit Focus on the Family. However, it's important to note that Focus on the Family is one of the longest and most aggressive opponents of abortion access and LGBTQIA+ rights.
Prior to creating fine art, Weistling's work focused on the Old West, as evidenced by "A Prayer for a New Life," which celebrates the value of life despite the many hazards a young family would have faced on their journey through the pioneer west.
Before the use of "A Prayer for a New Life," the DHS had posted a different image of a painting two weeks earlier, "Morning Pledge" by Thomas Kinkade, which shows a mid-century suburban neighborhood.
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- Morgan Weistling, dismayed by the unauthorized use of his painting "A Prayer for a New Life" by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), asserted that his copyright had been violated.
- Critics contend that the DHS's selection of Weistling's painting to represent American identity oversimplifies history, as it overlooks the histories of diverse groups such as Indigenous peoples, Black cowboys, and Chinese immigrants.
- Prior to creating fine art, Weistling was known for his illustrations in films, video games, and as an illustrator for the conservative evangelical nonprofit Focus on the Family, which holds opposing views on abortion access and LGBTQIA+ rights.
