It’s called A Tale of Two Hoodies and it was sent to ANIMAL by artist Michael D’Antuono, along with this, “Subject: To My Biggest (non) Fan.”
“I wanted you to know that I have read all of your site’s (unflattering) writings about my work. I’m not sure it would be appropriate to thank you, but it’s nice to know you’re paying attention. I am curious though why you and your team have such an adverse reaction to my art. I assume this latest piece will also annoy you, but I am sending you the release anyway.”
Why do we have an adverse reaction to your art? Ok, Michael, we’ll bite. It’s because kitschy propaganda irritates us regardless of what side it appears to lean politically — whether it’s a conservative artist’s Evil Socialist Obama burning the Constitution or your Obama triumphantly brandishing Osama’s severed, bullet-ridden head. Now, about this terrible, terrible painting…
“Inspired by the Trayvon Martin tragedy, artist/activist Michael D’Antuono’s latest painting, “A Tale Of Two Hoodies” calls into question racism’s effects on interpretation of policy. The provocative piece depicts a KKK hooded police officer drawing his weapon on a small black child in a hoodie who is merely offering the policeman some candy. This all takes place against the backdrop of a torn American flag revealing the confederate one behind it.”
With all due respect to you as an artist, I’m but a blogger and this is nothing but criticism that you’ve specifically requested. That said, you’re right. Your newest painting annoys us.
What you have proudly venerated in your press release as your newest “controversial” and “provocative painting” is an opportunistic editorial cartoon. Here are some contentious factual errors that you’ve taken artistic liberty with: Zimmerman was not a cop. Hispanics are not allowed into the KKK. Finally, if you are using the “small black child” as a metaphor for the victims of racial violence, it is offensively diminutive.
The candy, the hoodie, the death of Trayvon Martin — you’re treating these visual signifiers as keywords, as hype, as… memes. You want to auction this off with “the proceeds going to benefit the Trayvon Martin Justice Fund”? I don’t think Trayvon’s parents would appreciate it.
The flag metaphor? Sure, it’s got a point. There is a dangerous, despicable undercurrent of regressive racial prejudice and judicial imbalance in our corrupt police-plagued country. With your transparently incendiary, inappropriately sentimental painting, you’re not helping.
If we are misinterpreting your work, let us know.
I'm pretty sure that you made D'Antuono's day by posting his illustration, regardless of what you think of it. I hope that this image doesn't catch on, however, with other websites, if only to prevent Trayvon's family from ever having to see this piece of crap.
Hell fucking yes Marina!
i am not a fan of this work, but I do think it makes a valid point. Also, Hispanics may not be allowed in the kkk, but having worked with inmates, I can tell you that ally with white supremacists against blacks, often times under the premise that their origins are of former Spanish colonies and Spain is a primarily Caucasian country. Zimmerman committed an act of murder against an innocent minor. The details of the case point to racial profiling, if not racism.
>The candy, the hoodie, the death of Trayvon Martin — you’re treating these visual signifiers as keywords, as >hype, as… memes.
Very good point. But isn't this an accurate way of describing any artwork that "discusses" a political/societal topic? .. any art that uses "visual symbology" and metaphorical imagery?
Marina's criticism is directed at the Zimmerman/Trayvon allusions of the piece, but "racism’s effects on interpretation of policy," (as the artist stated) is the true "meat" of the work. Police brutality, the Confederacy, incarceration for black youth, etc. are all important issues that the piece brings up in a provocative manner, issues that were around long before Zimmerman.
Animal staff seems more annoyed with the artist than they do his work.
Now, I'm drunk, but even if I agree with Dewan (-provocative, its 2012, son.) the painting still sucks. It doesn't make you think about anything differently it's just a bunch of played out imagery.
segway
"isn't this an accurate way of describing any artwork that "discusses" a political/societal topic? .. any art that uses "visual symbology" and metaphorical imagery?"
only if it sucks.
dont really know the history of this just wanted to get my two in.
see new guy? comments are tots worth it.
and no style!! thats important. guys got no style.