All the President’s ArtBy Ruthie Ackerman
Published: June 22, 2009
“Glenn Ligon is an African-American man living in a white man’s world, which is what he expresses in much of his art. He also tends to explore sexuality and identity. His pieces are beautifully painted, drawn, and/or printed. Untitled (There is a consciousness we all have ...) (1988) is a good choice. “Martin Puryear’s Alien Huddle (1993–95) should be on the list. Martin is one of the best artists working today. His sculptures are simply magnificent. He combines craftsmanship with sensitivity, and his works have tremendous integrity and project such a strong sense of presence that they seem truly monumental — timeless and grand. “Kiki Smith’s Untitled (1987-90) or Pool of Tears 2 (after Lewis Carroll) (2000), because Kiki is inventive and comes with all kinds of ideas. Hers is an extremely poetic voice that is also questioning and edgy but never too abrasive.
“Julian Stanczak’s art comes out of an entirely different perspective. He uses optical art and illusion, forms often overlooked by the art world but incredibly appealing to the public. He paints all of these wonderfully fascinating pieces with the use of only one arm. Untitled (2001) would be a good choice.”
“I’d like to see a little more contemporary art at the White House and think the work of photographer Jason Lazarus would be a very good fit. Lazarus’s photographs are thoughtful, reflective, and frequently depict American subject matter. Also, from what I’ve seen reported, the Obamas are short on both photography and figurative work, so this would help fill that gap. The specific work I’d pick is Spencer Elden in His Last Year of High School (Jan ’08) (2008). “Painter Zach Harris melds the traditions of Impressionism and contemporary painting. His work beautifully integrates the frame into the larger piece, at times evoking a ’90s video-game aesthetic. It would fit in very well with the Richard Diebenkorn and Jasper Johns already on loan at the White House. The piece I’d pick is titled 7078292169 (2007–08).
“Finally, Dasha Shiskin’s paintings present a contemporary spin on artists such as Toulouse-Lautrec and Manet. Her paintings often draw inspiration from great literary works such as Franz Kafka’s ‘First Sorrow.’ I love you and I can’t pretend. Such beautiful feet (2007) would be my choice.”
“First I would suggest something modernist from Jacob Lawrence, who created epic paintings depicting the expansion and building of America and important scenes from African-American history. Most fitting for the Obama White House would be a print titled The 1920s ... The Migrants Arrive and Cast Their Ballots (1974), made in advance of the U.S. bicentennial. It’s a rather ordinary Election Day polling scene but becomes extraordinary when one realizes that these voters are mostly migrants to Northern cities who are voting for the first time. It is reminiscent of the number of people — black or otherwise — who were compelled to vote for the first time, as well as prior voters who were inspired by the American democratic process, this last election season. “The next work I would recommend is a sculpture by Edmonia Lewis, whose Neoclassical style depicted historic American and mythological scenes. I suggest Bust of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1872), which is sculpted in Lewis’s heroic Italian style and is a likeness of the great American man of letters. Longfellow’s writing was the inspiration for many of Lewis’s sculptures of Native American and slave scenes.
“If I can add a bonus work by a contemporary artist, I would suggest the Obamas add an installation by James Turrell. His simple interventions in architecture create beautiful meditative spaces with light and color. It would be a wonderful refuge for the family and staff for quiet, contemplative moments.”
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