Presidential Portraits.

[dgaddis]

From "So Long And Thanks For All The Fish", the 4th story in the Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy series. Published in 1984.

[seanile]

From "So Long And Thanks For All The Fish", the 4th story in the Hitchhiker's Guide To the Galaxy series. Published in 1984.

another poignant one from him. ...

“The major problem—one of the major problems, for there are several—one of the many major problems with governing people is that of whom you get to do it; or rather of who manages to get people to let them do it to them.
To summarize: it is a well-known fact that those people who must want to rule people are, ipso facto, those least suited to do it.
To summarize the summary: anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job.”

― Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

[David Tollefson]

^^ Agreed, in so many ways. The task should be seen as the daunting thing that it is, and only a truly humble servant-leader should have the job. Alas, "politics" is woefully devoid of such people.

[ides1056]

The Obamas' portraits will stand out in more ways than one. I look forward to seeing them.

Hopefully, hopefully.

[false_aesthetic]

Unveiled. Frankly, I'm a lot more impressed with Michelle's portrait
Obama Portraits Blend Paint and Politics, and Fact and Fiction - The New York Times

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018...T1-blog427.jpg

https://static01.nyt.com/images/2018...T2-blog427.jpg



Way better than Dark Lord Marmalade's presidential portrait:

Guggenheim Museum Offered Trump Gold Toilet for White House | Time

[Cookietruck]

dang, i think the Wiley painting of Barack is awesome.

one more link..

Barack and Michelle Obama'''s official portraits unveiled - CNN Style

[davids]

I think the President's portrait looks flat in reproduction. When I've seen Wiley's work IRL it pops. And look at Obama's hands. Look at the chair. Damn.

I have a feeling that it's going to be awesome to experience it at the Gallery. I can't wait to see it.

[guido]

I think both paintings look amazing. I'd love to see them in person.

[false_aesthetic]

It's not that I think Wiley's portrait is bad at all, it's fucking LEGIT!
I just like Michelle's portrait much more -- it has gravitas that's missing from Barack's.

[guido]

"The seven-foot portrait features a background of flowers, including chrysanthemums, the official flower of the Obamas’ hometown of Chicago; jasmine, for Hawaii, where Obama spent his childhood; and African blue lilies to reference his late Kenyan father."

[joosttx]

I like their choices. What a Love is that now a black kid can walk that boring hall and finally see someone who looks like them.

[j44ke]

I like their choices. What a Love is that now a black kid can walk that boring hall and finally see someone who looks like them.

Agreed. People who say it doesn't make a difference, don't understand how powerful difference and similarity are.

[jumphigher]

Hope this isnt too OT, and maybe many of you already know this but.. if you write the white house and ask for a pic of the president and/or his family they will send you one without cost. I've done it several times over the last 10-12 years, including writing CA when Arnold was governor and asking for a pic of him - and it's a classic, believe me.

[robin3mj]

It's not that I think Wiley's portrait is bad at all, it's fucking LEGIT!
I just like Michelle's portrait much more -- it has gravitas that's missing from Barack's.

I love the style of Michelle’s but I just don’t quite think the artist nailed her look/spirit quite as much as Barack’s.
Both are beyond a doubt a great addition to the gallery. My friend works there and she’s attending the big event. So jealous.

[davids]

Hope this isnt too OT, and maybe many of you already know this but.. if you write the white house and ask for a pic of the president and/or his family they will send you one without cost. I've done it several times over the last 10-12 years, including writing CA when Arnold was governor and asking for a pic of him - and it's a classic, believe me.

I have one signed by Clinton, greeting me by my ironic college nickname. A buddy worked in Gore's office...

[joosttx]

I have one signed by Clinton, greeting me by my ironic college nickname. A buddy worked in Gore's office...

Well, I can one-up you. I have an original painting of a hotdog in a mind craft cubed shape by the guy who painted Sandra Day O'Conor's portrait in the National Portrait Gallery.

Agreed. People who say it doesn't make a difference, don't understand how powerful difference and similarity are.

So true, I didnt realize how handsome I was until someone told my I looked lik Daniel Craig.

[nahtnoj]

44 looks like a total badass. I love the flower background.

Michelle's is overall way more visually impactful, which is saying something, but I think it does a fairly poor job of capturing her radiance. When I saw it I'm sad to say I immediately thought of this:

[joosttx]

44 looks like a total badass. I love the flower background.

Michelle's is overall way more visually impactful, which is saying something, but I think it does a fairly poor job of capturing her radiance. When I saw it I'm sad to say I immediately thought of this:

I really like Michelle's more than 44's. Funny how opinions differ.

[Mabouya]

IMO the main issue with Michelle's is that the dress totally overwhelms her. Plus, IMO she looks a bit grumpy.

[guido]

Berkeley's take...