Opinion: An Indian Shepard Fairey for an iconic Barack Obama?
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Avan Bathena and Shepard Fairey have something in common: Both have created portraits of Barack Obama that figure prominently in next week’s inaugural events in Washington.
In Fairey’s case, a collage version of his iconic ‘Hope’ image (right) will go on display at the National Portrait Gallery on Inauguration Day.
As for Bathena, an Indian American who lives in Houston, her image (left) figures prominently in the 2009 Sikh Inaugural Ball. (A signed copy comes with the $250 Maharajah Package, which gets you VIP treatment at the party at a restaurant called I, The Indian Experience/Ascot at 1708 L St. NW.)
Fairey’s image makes a bold and powerful statement. I think Bathena’s does too, but in a different way. The portrait doesn’t spell out ‘hope’ but shows a hopeful, open Obama -- with a smile that reminds me of JFK.
Check out more under-the-radar images of Obama in ‘Beyond Shepard Fairey: The many, many faces of Barack Obama.’
-- Mary Forgione
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