The unveiling of the portrait of President Barack Obama by Kehinde Wiley in 2018 was a historic moment. With the Obamas‘ selection of Wiley and Amy Sherald (who painted First Lady Michelle Obama’s portrait) to produce their official likenesses, these painters became the first black artist to receive the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s commission for portraits of a President or First Lady.
These skateboard decks, featuring highly stylized likenesses of (left to right) Freddie Mercury, Jackie O as Marilyn Monroe, and President Barack Obama, were created by designer/painter Cacho Falcon.
Photographed in Three Monkeys Eyewear on Spring Street.
Abraham Lincoln as Han Solo By Michael Leavitt (All Photos By Gail)
File this one under “Must See Art” because you won’t want to miss Michael Leavitt’s latest exhibit at Jonathan Levine Gallery, entitled Empire Peaks. Continuing with the theme he did to perfection with Art Army Royalty back in 2011, Leavitt’s latest collection of what could loosely be called pop culture action figures takes a Star Warstheme and turns that wildly popular franchise’s characters into recognizable icons of history, politics and entertainment. The show is totally off the hook! Even if you’re not a total Star Wars geek (raises hand) you’re going to enjoy the high-quality representations of some very recognizable individuals, both real and fictional.
There’s not really much more to be said except that you’ve to go see this show! Here are some of my favorite pieces from the exhibit.
Donald Trump as Darth Vadar
Kim Jong Il as Jabba the Hut
Steve Jobs as C3 PO and Albert Einstein as R2D2
Mahatma Gandhi as Yoda
Martin Luther King as Luke Skywalker
The Sucklord was in attendance at the opening reception! You may know The Sucklord from his appearance on season two of Bravo’s Work of Art, or from his line of unlicensed Star Wars parody toys, marketed under the name Suckadelic. He was pretty cool to talk to.
Hillary Clinton as a Stormtrooper
President Barack Obama as Lando Calrissian
Nelson Mandela as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Oprah Winfrey as Padmé Amidala
You can tell even from these photographs that the detail is absolutely impeccable on all of these figures. Not only does each figure look exactly like its real-life counterpart, but Leavitt perfectly captures the essence of each Star Wars character in the melding of the two individual identities. High-fives all around on this one.
Michael Leavitt’s Empire Peaks will be on Exhibit Through December 21st, 2013 at Jonathan LeVine Gallery, Located at 529 West 20th Street, 9th Floor, NYC, in the Chelsea Gallery District.
I’m happy to say that I am moving back home tonight after 10 days of sofa surfing, iPadding on the bus and living out of a bag. Thanks to everyone who helped make these past two weeks a little less hellish than they could have been.
It is no secret that Michelle Obama, this country’s First Lady, kicks some serious ass. I just love her. If I had a daughter I would so totally be buying her this super stylish Michelle Obama action figure doll – which is 6″ tall and has six points of articulation – for the holidays. Always on the cutting edge of fashion, Michelle can be purchased in three different color dresses, including Purple, Black and White, and a Red and Black dress based on the unforgettable outfit Michelle wore on Election Night 2008 (I wish I had her upper arms)! Available from JailBreak Toys for only $12.99! Preorder now for shipping November 30th!
