Ron English’s Abraham Obama

by Caroline Stanley

Free speech and social equality champion Ron English’s Abraham Obama is arguably one of the most recognizable images of the 2008 presidential campaign — second only to his friend Shepard Fairey’s iconic HOPE posters. But did Fairey take his work on a ten-city tour while shooting a documentary about the experience? Nope. English did, though, and the resulting film is like a weird mix of Jackass and a who’s-who of street art’s elite. After the jump, English speaks with Flavorpill about why Boston hates street art, how little money artists really make, and what he’s planning to do with a bunch of paint and 20 cows.

Flavorpill: When did you guys decide to turn the road trip into a documentary? Was that always the plan?

Ron English: No, no. Kevin Chapados — who directed  — sent somebody with us to film Boston. I don’t really know what he was thinking about at that point. And then after that, he wanted to make the movie. Once he realized we were going to ten cities.

Flavorpill: Does it change the vibe of things when there’s a camera around?

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By CAITLIN MORRIS
Published: Issue 1, Summer 2009

FILM: Abraham Obama Directed by Kevin Chapados

In 2008, street artist Ron English created the image Abraham Obama. He was inspired by the similarities between the tall, skinny Senators-turned-Presidents from Illinois; English said: “I believe Obama will take up Lincoln’s challenge of uniting the country.” In a pop-surrealist style, English crafted the Abraham Obama artwork as Obama’s face superimposed onto Lincoln’s. Once created, the image first publicly appeared in South Boston for the “a politic” exhibition. Then it began to multiply and travel across the United States, in an act of guerilla street artfare. Rather than stir controversy, conversation emerged from Abraham Obama’s travels. In downtown Colorado Springs, artists covertly made additions to an installation of the image on the side of the local restaurant, Poor Richard’s, creating a public forum for artistic and political discussion. Other artists and musicians took up the image’s cause including Shepard Fairey, Jack Medicine, David Choe, Sam Flores, Will.I.Am and Morgan Spurlock. The documentary film Abraham Obama follows these travels; the film is in many ways another portrait—of the iconic image and of America’s grassroots artistic landscape. Abraham Obama directed by Kevin Chapados. TAP

By CAITLIN MORRIS
Published: Issue 1, Summer 2009

FILM: Abraham Obama Directed by Kevin Chapados

In 2008, street artist Ron English created the image Abraham Obama. He was inspired by the similarities between the tall, skinny Senators-turned-Presidents from Illinois; English said: “I believe Obama will take up Lincoln’s challenge of uniting the country.” In a pop-surrealist style, English crafted the Abraham Obama artwork as Obama’s face superimposed onto Lincoln’s. Once created, the image first publicly appeared in South Boston for the “a politic” exhibition. Then it began to multiply and travel across the United States, in an act of guerilla street artfare. Rather than stir controversy, conversation emerged from Abraham Obama’s travels. In downtown Colorado Springs, artists covertly made additions to an installation of the image on the side of the local restaurant, Poor Richard’s, creating a public forum for artistic and political discussion. Other artists and musicians took up the image’s cause including Shepard Fairey, Jack Medicine, David Choe, Sam Flores, Will.I.Am and Morgan Spurlock. The documentary film Abraham Obama follows these travels; the film is in many ways another portrait—of the iconic image and of America’s grassroots artistic landscape. Abraham Obama directed by Kevin Chapados. TAP

Ron English invites you to join him in celebrating the Royal Flush Festival Premiere of director, Kevin Chapados’ film, Abraham Obama, a humorous and provocative examination of an unprecedented political art movement. Street artist Ron English gathers a crew of professional pranksters and hits the road on a grassroots campaign to make public art and promote Obama’s campaign for the Presidency. Abraham Obama takes us on an unforgettable ride as Ron English’s story unfolds alongside those of musicians and artists such as Shepard Fairey, Jack Medicine, David Choe, Sam Flores, Will.I.Am, Morgan Spurlock and many others. The screening is part of the fifth annual Royal Flush Festival
and will screen exclusively at The Anthology Film Archive (32 Second Avenue at the corner of Second Street in Manhattan, NY 10003) on Oct 16th at 7:45
Both Director Kevin Chapados and Ron English will be in attendance for Q & A immediately following the film. Advance tickets are available here:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producerevent/79709?prod_id=15849
We look forward to seeing you all there!

COLORADO – LOS ANGELES – NEW YORK – WASHINGTON, D.C.

April 26 – INDIE SPIRIT FILM FESTIVAL 2009 – MID-WEST PREMIERE
http://indiespiritfilmfestival.bside.com/2009/films

May 4 – LA UNITED FILM FESTIVAL – LOS ANGELES PREMIERE
http://www.theunitedfest.com/losangeles/tickets.htm

MAY 7-10 – POLITICS ON FILM – WASHINGTON, DC PREMIERE
http://www.politicsonfilm.com/

MAY 14 – NYC 92Y TRIBECA – NYC PREMIERE
http://www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T%2DMM5FM33

Dear Kevin,

Congratulations! After careful consideration, “Abraham Obama” has been selected to showcase at the 2nd annual Philadelphia Independent Film Festival.  We are thrilled to present your work at our event on June 25th – 28th. You are an honored guest. Please let us know how we can make your festival experience memorable.

Steven Greenbaum
Leilani Goode
The Philadelphia Independent Film Festival
2009 Co-Directors