Battling Backlash: Artist Sarah Boardman Faces Fallout After Trump Slams Her Portrait
- Artist expresses concern about potential employment losses following backlash over Trump portrait depiction
In the world of art, critiques are common, but for Sarah Boardman, the criticism she's received for her portrait of none other than President Donald Trump has commanded exceptional attention. The portrayal, residing in the Colorado State Capitol since 2019, was seemingly well-received until the man himself voiced his displeasure.
In a blunt declaration on his Truth Social platform, Trump disparaged the painting as "really the worst" of him. This verdict has left Boardman shaken, as she insists that her work is a product of diligent craftsmanship and devoid of any political bias or intentional caricature. She firmly denies Trump's claim of deliberate distortion of his likeness [1].
The Trump Portrait Saga
Over the past few years, the portrait remained uncontroversial, garnering mostly positive reviews. With Trump's recent post, however, everything appears to have taken a dramatic downturn [2]. The artist asserts that the President's remarks pose a direct and detrimental threat to her business, which she has been managing for over 4 decades [1].
Boardman shares concerns about the long-term impact on her career post Trump's comments. Those close to her, family and supporters alike, express deep concern about her prospective recovery [1].
A Swift Removal
Not content with his words, Trump demanded the portrait's removal, citing the "deliberate distortion" he claims to have detected. Shortly after, the painting was taken down and moved to storage following a request by Republican leadership [1].
In stark contrast to his criticism of the Trump portrait, the President praised Boardman's depiction of Barack Obama, labeling it "wonderful." Yet, he went on to criticize the artist herself, suggesting that she lost her talent as she aged [2]. Proposing an escort for the painting, he expressed, "I'd rather not have a painting at all than this one." As such, Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, obliged and had the portrait removed [2].
Sources: [Sarah Boardman's Website][1], [Donald Trump on Truth Social][2]
- Donald Trump - American Businessperson and former President
- US President - The highest office in the land of the United States
- Colorado - A state in the Western United States
- Despite Colorado's Colorado State Capitol housing Sarah Boardman's portrait of President Donald Trump since 2019, the painting has become a source of controversy after Trump called it "really the worst" of him on his Truth Social platform.
- Sarah Boardman, an artist who has been managing her business for over 4 decades, fears the long-term impact on her career following President Trump's critical remarks about her Trump portrait.
- Although President Trump criticized Sarah Boardman's portrait of him, he praised her depiction of former President Barack Obama, labeling it "wonderful." However, he went on to question Boardman's talent, suggesting that she lost it as she aged.
