Gallery of the Absurd

White House Mug Shots Deemed "Political Attack Art"

It's no secret that I'm partial to the genre of narrative art, but I was unaware of the genre of "political attack art" until I read the New York Daily News today. Reporting on the White House mug shots currently being shown as part of a printmaking exhibit at the New York Public Library, the newspaper seemed more interested in creating political hysteria than explaining the artistic intent behind the exhibit. Created by artists Nora Ligorano and Marshall Reese as a response in part to "the overreaching powers of the Patriot Act, coupled with the explosion of the internet and monopolization of private media [that] threaten the very fabric and foundations of our country and way of life", the images are generating both outrage and applause. When reporting the "controversy", Fox News (monopolized media) expressed concern that the mug shots might "confuse little kids" who might gaze upon the photos during a field trip and think, "Oh, is that a picture of my president?" Yeah kid, it's a picture of your president. Images from FOX News.

George Bush Part II: Drink The Kool Aid

This is the second image that came to mind after reading this article. Introducing the newest bottled water product, Tears of Bush. Each bottle contains the actual tears of President George W. Bush, gathered as they drip off the shoulder of God. He cries every day, so there's an unlimited supply. Pick up a case of Tears of Bush sparkling water today! Available exclusively at Wal-Mart. Supplies may be scarce in the Red States, but Washington and California are said to have excess supplies sitting around gathering dust in warehouses. Enjoy Tears of Bush in moderation as studies show drinking excess amounts may produce hallucinations such as ghost sightings or bumbling confusion when speaking to dignitaries in foreign countries. Medium: graphite sketch, digital color/text.

Sketchbook Chronicles: George Bush Cries Every Day

I've been really bored with this week's celebrity gossip news, but the report of President Bush admitting to shedding tears of "self-pity" and witnessing ghosts emerging from the Lincoln Bedroom happened to catch my eye. Bush claims,"I've got God's shoulder to cry on...And I cry a lot". After reading this article, the first image that came to my mind was of George Bush tearfully clutching a giant teddy bear/deity with a look of indifference on its face. I quickly recorded the image in my sketchbook. Another image came to mind too, but I'm on the fence about whether or not to post it. Some folks get awfully touchy when you mess with the President...which is why I'm so tempted to post it. Medium: scan from sketchbook, digital color, text.

A Valentine Greeting From George Bush

The White House is sending out Valentines this year and we've got the exclusive preview. As you can see here, President George Bush sends a rambling message of love to the American people in an attempt to boost his approval ratings. We're touched by the thoughtfulness of the Valentine greeting, but we're not too sure it'll help undo the damage caused by Bush's many "incidents". Medium: acrylic on paper woven with borrowed Bush quotes.

Muchas gracias to Barcelona's el Periodico for the nice article about Galeria de lo Absurdo.

A Break From Gossip for a Moment

We interupt this program for a special announcement.  Several requests for me to "do something political" have flooded my in-box. I suppose this image fits the theme as this IS the Gallery of the ABSURD.  This is a portrait of George Bush in his first term, so it's a bit outdated....but not really.  Karl Rove would have looked nice as a hovering bat, no?  We will now return to our regularly scheduled program, please stay tuned for more Hollywood antics...