Massive public outrage, emails, blogs, leads to cancellation
An artist who planned to unveil a portrait of Barack Obama in aChrist-like pose with a crown of thorns upon his brow (right) has announced heis canceling the event, due to “overwhelming public outrage.”
As WND reported,painter Michael D’Antuono had planned to unveil a portrait titled “TheTruth,” a 30″ x 54″ acrylic painting on canvas depicting Obamaappearing much like Jesus Christ on the Cross, at New York City’s UnionSquare Park tomorrow, marking the president’s 100th day in office.
A statement released D’Antuono now claims the artist chose to cancelthe event after being flooded with thousands of emails, phone calls,online blogs and other forms of public criticism, all within 48 hoursof releasing the controversial image online.
According to the statement, D’Antuono insists that the work was intended purely as a political piece.
“The religious reference was used metaphorically and not toinsult anyone’s religious beliefs,” says D’Antuono. “If that is theeffect that my art has had on anyone, I am truly sorry.”
Like others in the news who have depicted Obama in Christ-likeimagery, D’Antuono originally insisted he wasn’t claiming the man isMessiah, but only inviting “individual interpretations.”
“‘The Truth,’ like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder,”claims the press release that announced D’Antuono’s original plans tounveil the painting.
D’Antuono even invited the public to email him with reactions to the piece, answering his posed question, “What’s your truth?”
Many, apparently, responded to his invitation, leading to cancellation of the display.
As WND has reported, D’Antuono follows others who have cast Obama in messianic imagery.