It’s been just over two weeks since a Barbara Kruger artwork calling Trump a loser graced the cover of New York Magazine, and a lot has changed. The artist, along with much of the country, was proven wrong in her prediction when Trump was nominated as the country’s president-elect.
This week an image by artist Deborah Kass appears on the magazine’s cover. It’s a pop-inspired depiction of Trump; his face a pale blue and full of fury, his hair appropriately yellow and eyes glaring red.
Kass’ original piece, which she uploaded to Instagram 18 weeks ago, reads “Vote Hillary” beneath the image, a straightforward message from the staunch feminist and Clinton supporter. The artist sold editions of the screenprint to raise money for the Democratic candidate’s campaign.
The painting serves as an homage to Andy Warhol’s 1972 artwork “Vote McGovern.” Warhol’s work, created for the 1972 presidential election, depicted a sickly looking Richard Nixon atop a similarly tangerine-colored backdrop, urging Americans to vote instead for the Democratic candidate George McGovern.
Of course, that didn’t work out either.
The use of Kass’ image urges viewers to understand that, despite the shock and anger and sadness many are experiencing as a result of Trump’s election, Americans have overcome disappointing and frightening leaders before. As the magazine’s print editor Jared Hohlt put it: “We wanted the cover’s energy to speak to other times of great political uncertainty and upheaval in our nation’s recent history.”
Especially in times as unsure and alarming as these, it’s comforting to know there are artists around to draw historical comparisons, depict authority figures without fear or censorship, and ― more importantly ― encourage citizens to stand up for the rights of themselves and fellow Americans.
Keep it coming, artists. We need you.
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