DHS Criticized for Appropriating Thomas Kinkade Artwork to Advocate 'Disunity' and 'Racial Prejudice'
The Thomas Kinkade Family Foundation has accused the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of copyright infringement for using Thomas Kinkade’s painting “Morning Pledge” in a social media post without permission. The family condemned DHS for using the painting to promote an anti-immigrant message, which sparked controversy and possible legal action from the Foundation.
The painting in question, titled Morning Pledge, features a rain-slicked suburban street at dusk, two children walking by a schoolhouse, and an American flag pole. According to the Thomas Kinkade Studios website, the painting evokes a distinctly American spirit and promotes a vision of the United States as a beacon of hope. Thomas Kinkade, the late artist, is described as believing in the founding fathers and their view of the republic, and seeing the United States as a beacon of hope for the world.
However, the Thomas Kinkade Family Foundation has denied authorizing the usage of the painting by the DHS. In response, the DHS has stated that it is unapologetically proud of American history and American heritage. The DHS's post of Morning Pledge on July 1 seemed to reinforce the interpretation of the painting as promoting a nostalgic vision of the US.
The controversy surrounding the use of Morning Pledge is not the first time the DHS has faced criticism for its choice of artwork. Previously, artist Morgan Weistling complained about the DHS’s usage of his painting New Life in A New Land without his permission. Additionally, DHS has also received pushback for posting an image of John Gast's painting American Progress, which is owned by the Autry Museum of the American West.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has suggested that DHS fails to understand the true meaning of John Gast's painting, as the Autry Museum heavily features Native American history and a more inclusive understanding of Western history. The DHS's statement regarding criticism of its usage of American Progress suggests that it may provide a history lesson on the brave men and women who forged the Republic if the media requires it.
The Thomas Kinkade Family Foundation has requested the removal of the DHS's unauthorized use of Thomas Kinkade's painting Morning Pledge. The foundation has consulted with its counsel on potential legal options regarding the unauthorized use of the painting. As of the statement's posting, the DHS's post of Morning Pledge is still live.
[1] Thomas Kinkade Family Foundation Accuses DHS of Copyright Infringement (2021, July 2). [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/02/us/politics/dhs-thomas-kinkade-copyright-infringement.html
[2] DHS Accused of Copyright Infringement Over Thomas Kinkade Painting (2021, July 2). [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/02/politics/dhs-thomas-kinkade-copyright-infringement/index.html
- The Thomas Kinkade Family Foundation has requested the removal of the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) unauthorized use of Thomas Kinkade's painting "Morning Pledge", and they are currently consulting with their counsel on potential legal options regarding this issue.
- The controversy surrounding the DHS's use of Thomas Kinkade's "Morning Pledge" is not the first time the organization has faced criticism for its choice of artwork; previously, artist Morgan Weistling and the Autry Museum of the American West have voiced concerns about the DHS's use of their work without permission.
- In response to the Thomas Kinkade Family Foundation's accusation of copyright infringement, the DHS has stated that it is unapologetically proud of American history and American heritage, and it may provide a history lesson on the brave men and women who forged the Republic if the media requires it.
