David Cordero, “Blessing,” mixed media, 2007
Yet another controversial piece of political art is on display at the Art Institute of Chicago. Although it is not of my particular taste, as I generally despise anything figurative and overly didactic, or as I usually say, “content driven,” I do find the sculpture timely, and it is an apt rendition of Barack Obama and his political rhetoric and strategy. Most precious about the sculpture is the piece of kitsch that serves as a halo for the wizened likeness of the politician. Religion here is the tacky commodity the corporate, business casual Obama invokes somewhat glibly in his campaign speeches. Mr. Cordero also chose to allow the cracks to remain on the politician’s visage; he did not to fill them with so many artificial substances as Obama and his many handlers are wont to do.
Because I have not seen the sculpture, only its photographic reproduction, my consideration of it is necessarily limited. But here is Obama’s breathless response, and no, he has not seen the sculpture:
“While we respect First Amendment rights and don’t think the artist was trying to be offensive, Senator Obama, as a rule, isn’t a fan of art that offends religious sensibilities,” said Obama spokeswoman Jen Psaki.
Obama apparently believes art should serve to confirm and reify spectators’ previous beliefs. And Obama apparently does not know the history of controversial political art at the Art Institute of Chicago and the tradition of creating controversy during one’s senior year in that school’s BFA program. Moreover, he is not bright enough to acknowledge the sculpture’s wryness and polysemy.
But as the Junior Senator of Illinois whose permanent residence is located in Chicago, Obama should at least visit the premier art school of the region and arguably the country in order to see it before commenting on it. And perhaps he may learn something about himself if he spends time with it and meditates on its significance. But I doubt he will, as Obama believes art should be a mirror reflection of spectators’ presuppositions and fantasies. No, he will not visit it, as Obama is at heart a philistine.
