Ron English’s Abraham Obama

Available at Jet Set Graffiti

Ron English Condoms feature the work of the contemporary prankster and agit-pop artist. Known for his paintings exploring popular brand imagery and advertising, Ron English is also famous for liberating commercial billboards in order to subvert their original message.

Ron English has also painted several album covers including The Dandy Warhols album cover Welcome to the Monkey House. Some of his paintings were used in Morgan Spurlock’s documentary Super Size Me.

Available in assorted handpacked bags of 12, 60, and 144 or as a 3-pack in a reusable carrying case.

Never subtle, Ron English approaches many of popular culture’s most recognized icons with tongue planted firmly in cheek; and with a master’s precision in execution. His image mash-ups are stellar “popaganda” visual editorials: Surreal images such as his Marilyn Monroe portrait with Mickey Mouse breasts, his fat Ronald McDonald seen in Super Size Me, and his Homer Simpson Jackson Pollack piece. Last night, his New York art dealer, Opera Gallery, hosted an opening to “hear the story behind the creation of this global image.” The “this” referred to is Mr. English’s Abraham Lincoln – Barack Obama fusion portrait. Unveiled in Boston back in July, the giant billboards of the painting even provoked cries of anarchy to the mayor’s office. Ron was on hand to share his side of the story and explain his perspective.

Some pundits have suggested that Obama invoked Lincoln in the speech announcing his candidacy last year. After all, both were lawyers who served in the Illinois State Assembly before being elected to Congress. And many people think Obama being elected president would be a major milestone in Black American history, not unlike Lincoln’s Emancipation. Is it too early to crown the junior Senator a mighty leader? Yes. But that should not stop art fans from Red or Blue states from admiring this portrait. Regardless of your political leanings, Ron’s work elicits response, opinion, and appreciation for his craft and creativity. – Dusty Wright

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