Defining the Art of Change in the Age of Trump

The Center for Contemporary Political Art in Washington, DC is presenting Defining the Art of Change in the Age of Trump, featuring my painting, America: She Was Asking For It. 

From the organizers, "The exhibition features artwork by America's artists as powerful as the times are dangerous, to help Americans understand what's at stake -- and why it's their duty to vote -- in the November 2018 mid-term elections."

September 30- November 14
*Opening reception on September 30th, Noon - 6pm

The Center for Contemporary Political Art
Mather Studios
916 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001

View press here.

©Jamie L. Luoto, "America: She Was Asking For It," gouache on paper, 15x19 inches, 2016

Artist's Statement

Created in response to the 2016 presidential election, America: She Was Asking For It, was born from a nightmare and depicts a revealing portrait of not only America’s elected Head of State but also his wife and Vice President and Mrs. Pence. 

A variety of symbols evoke both an immediate visceral reaction, such as the confederate flag, as well as an ongoing discovery of depravity represented as small painted details, such as the pins, that reveal contractions and hypocrisy.

I utilized the bright coloring effects of gouache to capture the flashy tone of media imagery and intentionally made the work small to emphasize the insufficient attention and transitory coverage given to these issues by the media.
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The piece is floated atop an abyss-like, black velvet, to create an effect like that of a digital screen, and finally encased in a tarnished frame, as if it is a dangerous artifact, warning of possible future outcomes.