"A Fierce Rebuttal" - Artist Sarah Boardman Stands firm Against Trump's Portrait Allegations
Trump-Supporting Portrait's Accused Artist Receives Defense
In the Colorful Mile-High state, a portrait hanging at the Capitol has stirred up controversy with US President Donald Trump. He alleges the artwork was "intentionally distorted," but the artist, Sarah Boardman, stands her ground.
British artist Sarah Boardman refuses to be silenced by Trump's accusations. "The President, like everyone else, has the freedom to voice his opinions. But calling my work 'deliberately distorted' and questioning my talent is not only unfounded but also damaging to my 41-year-old business, which could struggle to regain footing," Boardman stated in a written response, as reported by "Politico".
At the end of March, the Republican President unleashed his critique against the artist behind the long-standing portrait. "The artist who painted me looks great, but the image of me is the worst. It's really bad," Trump voiced on Truth Social, adding, "I'd rather have no picture at all."
The Controversial Portrait
Many Coloradans called and wrote in to express their disdain, yet Boardman highlights the predominantly positive feedback she's received during the six years her painting graced the Capitol walls. Fans of her work have left countless messages applauding her talent.
The Portrait's Removal
"I approached the portrait truthfully, without any intentional distortion, political bias, or caricature," Boardman reiterated. "I fulfilled the agreement."
For her craftsmanship, she pocketed $10,000, secured by Colorado Republicans. A committee certified the reference photo and her work in progress throughout the painting process.
Igniting the social media sphere, Trump demanded that Governor Jared Polis, a Democrat, haul down the portrait. Trump fumed, "Jared should be ashamed." True to his word, the portrait vanished from its space the day following his outburst and is now stored away. A gap now adorns the wall where the images of U.S. Presidents resided in Denver.
- Donald Trump
- Art
- Colorado
Insight:
The artist, Sarah A. Boardman, faced criticism from President Trump over the portrait she created for the Colorado State Capitol. Despite the controversy, Kevin Grantham, who initiated the funding campaign for the portrait, praised Boardman as "a really, really good person and a good artist," suggesting her legacy should not be tainted by this altercation. The portrait was painted in a classical realist style based on a photograph chosen by the Capitol Building Advisory Committee, and Boardman aimed to match the style of earlier presidential portraits. Despite Trump's assessment, the fate of the portrait, whether it will be replaced or remain, remains uncertain.
- Despite the controversy surrounding her portrait at the Colorado State Capitol, Sarah Boardman stated, "I approached the portrait truthfully, without any intentional distortion, political bias, or caricature."
- After President Trump demanded its removal, Governor Jared Polis complied, resulting in the disappearance of the portrait from its space at the Colorado State Capitol.
- Sarah Boardman expressed concern about Trump's allegations, stating, "Calling my work 'deliberately distorted' and questioning my talent is not only unfounded but also damaging to my 41-year-old business."
