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Comments

[Critical thinker]

I know that many artists love to be provocative, and their works are meant to stir emotion, and promote dialogue between its viewers. However, I feel that this exhibit was more evocative. As if it were meant to evoke feelings of rage, oppression, hatred and xenophobic fears. It is as if the sole purpose of this exhibit is to trivialize and diminish everything that black people particularly Senator Obama has worked to overcome.

When I first read about this, I gave you the benefit of the doubt when you said the exhibit was about the character assassination of Senators Obama and Clinton; I had no idea what the content of the exhibit was. However after seeing some of your work, I have to ask, "What does a penis have to do with character assassination.” Don't you realize that your installation further perpetuates the stereotypes that you are accusing the media of sustaining.

In your attempt to cater to our "viral video, shock TV" culture, you missed the mark. In your world you probably believe that you have created a provocative, historical pop art exhibit. Yet it seems more like a feckless attempt to demonize a culture which is still dealing with the anger of slavery, Jim Crow and perpetual sexism.

Although I think you lack taste and/or empathy; I am all for provocative art, and free speech. But, where does the line of free speech end, and the line for hate propaganda begin???? Maybe that's something you should think about.

[Jo]

Hey, I've got to hand it to you. You lied to a lot of reporters, invented a few galleries, terrified at least a few passers-by, wasted the NYPD and Secret Service's time and used racist language to describe Obama's children (who aren't even old enough to understand what this fiasco is all about, I might add). And you got 15 seconds of fame out of it, too. Pretty sweet deal, huh?

What a jerk you are, and what an insult to hard-working, actually talented artists everywhere who don't resort to lies, deceit and blatant racism to provoke and engage the public. Because that's all you did; lie and deceive, and trying to dismiss what you did as "part of the art" is cowardice.

You're an artist, alright - a scam artist. Hope the attention you're getting now is worth it, kid.

[indigo]

Any idiot could do what you have done to make a living and get some quick publicity. In fact, many already do. Ann Coulter comes to mind, as do the playground mechanizations of five year old children.

Shock 'art' is not relevant, it is easy. The hoax - yes, hoax - on top of it further cements your place in the art world as a waste of talent and space.

[Georges Santayana]

As was so well stated by a former Supreme Court Justice - "But I know it when I see it" -

This is the true definition of pornography, not art.

[miss kara]

you are a moronic opportunist. it is painfully obvious. the only way to draw attention to yourself is to exploit others - you'll never comprehend the damage you have caused by this exhibit, not to mention the fact it is at the expense of those involved (including obama's very young daughters). you have foolishly let yourself slip into the mindset that if it triggers a strong reaction, it is "good art". there were a dozen ways of expressing your same point without going to these lengths.

[Ollie]

Your work is a desperate and pathetic attempt to get attention. You truly deserve no attention, but I can't resist. You have no substance. Get a life, get some depth and then reconsider an art career at that time. Clearly you are not ready. Bottomline is you suck. Go the fuck away!

[wtf]

Ok, from one artist to another, you are deliberately being misogynistic AND overtly racist. This exhibit doesn't make a statement about anything except for the fact that you know NOTHING of what REAL satirical art is. If this were your Masters thesis, I would give you the fattest RED "F" "U" "C" "K" "Y" "O" "U" possible. As an intelligent and PROUD Black male, I am literally disgusted with this pathetic attempt at "art imitating life". I'm surprised you are still physically well, if that. Please refrain from expressing yourself to the confused and narrow minded Mainstream American Public, or at least make your point VISIBLE IN YOUR WORK, because honestly all I see here are the rantings of a stodgy homophobic anti-feminist bigot. The Klan is always recruiting, go where you belong.

[john]

If you ever called my children nappy headed ho's, your career would end that day...and that's a fact!!

[Isabel Camacho]

Escribí un pequeño artículo sobre sus exposiciones. Saludos desde Venezuela.

http://oleosymusica.wordpress.com/2008/06/07/exposicion-el-asesinato-de-clinton-y-obama/

[Kia]

Please do not confuse poor taste with "art", and people aren't be overly sensitive...everyone has right to be concerned with the life of Sen. Obama...and this exhibit will give nutjobs ideas.

You can express your ideas if you want, but this exhibit looks to be racist and why did you have toput his innocent girls in it?? That was so uncalled for, and I cannot believe you call yourself an artist.

[C]

As an art instructor who holds both a BFA and MFA, I most say that IMO this is nowhere near being art. Freedom of speech is something I whole-heartedly believe in, but I just wish that something of value was actually being said.

[Lovely Rita]

Hey Bozo, "wonderlust" is not a word.

[G.]

I think the exhibit is amazing. I'm glad someone in this county is willing to stand up to the overly sensitive American public and express their 1st Amendment rights.

[Paul]

Art is the telling of a story. It involves the evocation of emotion and the inspiration of the mind to a resolution.

You stop short. Your art remains undeveloped it remains a mere scene of expression. A statement that is vulgar, primitive, divisive and purposeless.

[dk]

there is no beauty to this art - anyone can evoke emotion - the trick is to inspire... which i fear you have yet to do... actually this work is quite pathetic

[Robert]

Yeah, the Nappy headed hoes part was abhorrent. That was the point. It made me think that I may have been a bit too easy on Imus.

Art is something that provokes strong emotion... seems like its working. A whole lot could be written on these pieces, but maybe its better if you let the emotions they bring forth lead you to some sort of personal revelation.

[cguiney]

I am glad you were stopped. This exhibit adds no beauty or truth to the world. I only hope the Obama family does not learn of your antics.

[Malik]

Call it Art or whatever the hell you like, all I know is if you put up pictures of MY daughters with the caption nappy headed hos Id be coming after your happy ass. Those are real kids, and the Obamas are a real family. Your desire to make a statement doesnt trump your obligation to show a minimum of respect and common decency to your fellow human beings, and it certainly doesnt give you the right to draw innocent children into that tawdry mess you call an art show.

[BlahBlah]

Theres freedom of speech and then there is poor taste. While I dont believe you should be censored, neither should I be for telling you that what I saw of your gallery showing is god-awful. As an artist myself, I find nothing redeeming what-so-ever about calling children nappy headed hos.

[Robert]

Just saw some images of the assassination exhibits on your site.

I've got to say some of those images revolted me, they made me sick and they made me angry. They made me take a step back and think.

Good work.

[LT]

Mmm, I understand that people shouldn't censor art. Art is always meant to say something and not all people get it.

However, I do find it in poor taste that you included Senator Obama's daughters in this display in the manner that you did. How you display the adults is up to you. They are grown and can defend themselves, but little kids? It's a bit in poor taste.

Anyway, I didn't agree with what I saw of it (the noose means something offensive to me as a black woman), but I wouldn't censor your right to display it. I do think that if you find another forum for your work (and I am sure you will) that you consider maybe discontinuing the children portion of the Senator Obama part.

Good Day.

[Tom]

How's your day going so far?

My guess is that if you called the exhibit something other than "assassination" you still be open. Sort of like yelling "fire" in a crowded theatre. There's freedom of speech but not when it might suggest or invoke danger.

[PKayne]

It's absolutely ridiculous that you were censored when your exhibition was clearly spoke to another subject (treatment by the media and their characterization).

On the other hand, I am happy I found out about you and your works. I am very impressed with your work and your blog addresses some good topics.

I wish you success with your show, if you are allowed to continue

[madman]

I understand defending freedom of speech, but I'd hope you'd at least try to have something interesting to SAY. Sheesh. What a waste... Meh.

[Nicholas Polimenakos]

You have my full support my friend. Freedom of Speech will BE the #1 issue in this country in the next 10 years. If you ever need support in seattle, you have it. here's to Art and freedom of speech!!!

Nicholas