British designer’s portrait to mark Obama inauguration

New York’s Museum of Arts and Design will unveil a portrait by British designer Benjamin Shine to make President Barack Obama’s inauguration tomorrow.

New York’s Museum of Arts and Design will unveil a portrait by British designer Benjamin Shine to mark US President Barack Obama’s inauguration tomorrow.



Changing States is made from the material of a US flag, woven through with mesh fabric.



Shine says, ‘It seemed appropriate to use the nation’s flag, reconfigured in order to reflect and celebrate the positive notion of change that is taking place in the United States.’



Shine started on the piece during the election, and was halfway through it when Obama won the presidency.



The work was then picked up by book retailer Barnes & Noble, which used it on posters and other projects.



Shine says, ‘The Museum of Arts and Design had a policy not to show works with a political viewpoint, but when they saw the image they did a complete 180º turn.



‘Now it is being displayed in the foyer, where it can be seen from surrounding streets.’



Franci Sagar, vice-president of retail and brand development at the Museum of Arts and Design, says, ‘The presidential inauguration is a historic event that we would like to honour at the museum and in our store. Shine’s work gives us that opportunity.’



Shine’s previous works include a portrait of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in silk chiffon and rusted iron.


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  • danielle November 30, -0001 at 12:00 am

    This is very cool – really conveys a sense of the new era. Nice work.

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