Disputed Portrait of Trump Sparks Controversy
Trump voices displeasure over his depicted portrayal
In an unusual turn of events, a painting of President Donald Trump, displayed in the Colorado State Capitol building, is causing quite a stir. This controversial artwork, which the President himself finds repugnant, has led to a public outcry and an indirect confrontation between the President and Colorado's Democratic Governor, Jared Polis.
Art, by nature, can be a subjective experience. However, Donald Trump seems to have taken a personal dislike to the painting, claiming it's been intentionally distorted beyond recognition. The portrait does depict Trump looking a bit puffy and pale, but he lacks the characteristic orange complexion. Instead, he appears relatively young, which the President apparently finds no appeal in.
He took to his social media platform, "Truth Social," to voice his discontent, describing the artwork as something he's "never seen before." In comparison, he praised a portrait of former President Barack Obama, suggesting that the artist has lost her talents with age.
Donald Trump encourages Governor Jared Polis, whom he dismisses as "extremely weak on crime," to remove the artwork due to widespread complaints about it. "Jared should be ashamed," Trump declared.
Governor's Laughing Response
The Governor's response was dismissive, calling Trump a fan of the Colorado Capitol and its art. The artistic representation within the Capitol routinely receives donations, and Trump's portrait was no exception. Raised in 2019 through contributions from around 200 donors, including several prominent Republicans, the painting was the work of Colorado Springs-based artist, Sarah A. Boardman.
The artists of presidential portraits in Colorado, from Lawrence Williams, who painted the first 43 presidents, to Boardman, work on a commission basis. Boardman chose to depict Trump in his signature blue suit and red tie after submitting various photos to the Capitol Building Advisory Committee for review. Her goal was to create a neutral, non-confrontational image that would depict Trump as a mere historical figure in the future.
Trump and Neutrality
It appears that Trump takes issue with being described as just one of many presidents. Indeed, he has distinguished himself from his predecessors in numerous ways, such as becoming the first President serving as a convicted felon. Unlike the neutral, non-confrontational image in the Colorado Capitol, his mugshot hangs proudly in the Oval Office, reflecting a different facet of his persona.
Source: nTV.de, VPR
- Donald Trump
- Art
- Colorado
- Donald Trump has expressed his displeasure towards a painting of him in the Colorado State Capitol, claiming that it is intentionally distorted and lacks his signature orange complexion.
- Despite Donald Trump's request, Governor Jared Polis, who is considered somewhat dismissive of Trump's demands, has chosen to maintain the painting, which was donated and commissioned to Colorado Springs-based artist Sarah A. Boardman.
- In contrast to the neutral, historically depicted painting in the Colorado Capitol, Donald Trump has embraced his convict status by hanging his mugshot proudly in the Oval Office.
