A painting that depicts President Barack Obama by artist Micahel D'Antuono as Christ-like is controversial and getting mixed reviews, especially from religious authorities.
The painting by the New York artist is titled, "The Truth" and is of Obama holding his arms up in a position that is similar to a crucifiction and he had a crown of thorns adorning his head. The painting is displayed at the Bunker Hill Community College Art Gallery in Boston and is from his series, "Artists on the Stump-the Road to the White House 2012."
The Huffington Post reported that the artist said he has received 4,000 emails that were mostly from Christian Right individuals who misinterpreted his art. He was supposed to show the piece in New York's Union Square Park on his 100th day in office but decided not to after he received the irate emails.
He now regrets it, reported Fox News. "I always regretted cancelling my exhibit in New York because I feel my First Amendment rights should override someone's hurt feelings. We should celebrate the fact that we live in a country where we are given the freedom to express ourselves."
"The crucifixion of the president was meant metaphorically," he added. "My intent was not to compare him to Jesus."
The Catholic League president, Bill Donahue posted this statement on their website calling D'Antuono a "left-wing artist known for exploiting racial tensions," reported The Huffington Post.
On D'Antuono's website, some viewers also chimed in with negative comments, One person said, "He is crossing a line here plain and simple. Nothing but making a mockery of Christian beliefs while portraying Obama as this country's savior... or the martyr behind the curtain... just pathetic! Nothing about art being presented in this piece or anywhere in the other pieces on this site."
See a photo of the painting here.
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