Description: Commemorative Obama Inauguration Poster. Original painting by fine artist
Michael Anthony Brown. The historic election of Barack Obama inspired him to
paint a work in which heincorporated over one hundred hidden historical and cultural
images.
Vision. Hope. Change. Four years ago, an unassuming voice rose from
obscurity to center stage of the National Democratic Convention, initiating the
most incredible political journey into our nation’s history. A groundswell of support, a monumental grassroots
effort, engaged all genders, cultures, the young, the not so young, even the
very young in a national dialogue about change.
Barack H. Obama will become the forty-fourth
President of the United
States on January 20, 2009. He will become the first American of color
and African descent to assume the most powerful position in the country,
transcending the myths, stereotypes, labels, and politics-as-usual in the
process.A formidable undertaking, submerged in the grim reality of national
economic disaster, coupled with global disconnects and discord. But his journey
began before he was born, by the thousands of steps taken through the shadows
of history that cleared the path Obama was destined to follow, culminating in
his successfully hard-fought election to an office most only dream of. Many footsteps taken, many voices lifted,
those who in their own right as ground breaking leaders, as historians, activists,
artists, scientists, musicians, politicians, doctors, nurses, lawyers,
ministers, housemaids, writers, and yes, community organizers had the courage
to walk their talk, acting upon their vision. Each had a part to play in
shaping the fabric out of which this country, our country, the United States
is built. From the life-saving heroism
of Harriet Tubman, to the legal judgment of Thurgood Marshall, from the
theatric voice of Paul Robeson to wordsmith Zora Neal Hurston, the dance of
Twyla Tharp to the philosophy and leadership of Mahatma Ghandi, well over one
hundred historical images have been artistically woven into the fabric of
President Obama’s shirt and chronicled in the matting surrounding the painting. This painting captures the demonstrated
humility, integrity and heart of a man who has – as the visionary leaders who
preceded him – set aside personal pursuits in sacrifice for the greater
good. And he is not alone in this
sacrifice. Behind every great man there is the support of a strong and capable
woman, whose greater sacrifice, along with that of family and friends
demonstrates a generosity of heart and a shared vision of what can be
accomplished. Michelle Obama’s decision
to support the candidacy of Barack Obama is an unsung sacrifice of immense proportion. Without her, we would not be celebrating this
crossroads in U.S.
history.
This work of art is a passionate
delineation of history honoring our past, celebrating our future. As a people uniting, one nation, irrevocably
connected by the common crises of economic, ecological and societal
devastation, working toward the common goal of resurrecting ourselves as global
citizens of a diverse community, in hope of shattering paradigms long held as
truth,. We each have our own journey to
take, our own path to make during these challenging times. Change is the operative action; we must begin
to walk our own talk, willing to make our individual sacrifices for the common
good of our families, our neighbors, our communities, our selves. We must be realistically optimistic about
what can be accomplished. The journey
will not be without challenges, neither the path nor the leader will be
perfect, but with continued clarity in vision, hope in the teamed efforts made
by we the people, Change will come.
To purchase and view more of the available commemorative merchandise, visit our catalogue.
Visit Michael Anthony Brown's fine art gallery by clicking HERE.
