Today we cast our ballots and cross our fingers with the hope that the 11 swing states that decide our president each year don't mess this up for America. In this moment of reflection, we're looking back at the dozens of gut-reactions, carefully-cultivated responses, and communal efforts from artists addressing the candidacy of Donald Trump.
Shortly after he called Mexicans crossing the southern United States border drug dealers and rapists in 2015, a Mexican-American artist named Fernando Sosa expressed his disdain for Trump by 3D-printing a butt plug in his image. Since then we've seen collages, Photoshop jobs, video art, Deepdream remixes, a tombstone, a hijacked bus, and a nude portrait of the Republican presidential nominee with a micropenis, all attempting to come to terms with the bigot who captivated so many Americans.
Below we have a generous sampling of the best creative musings on Donald Trump's personality and influence. It's difficult to remember a time when Trump wasn't dominating our news cycle, and in time these artworks themselves may be looked at as either scars left on the art world, or our cultural immune system healthy response to an invasive presence.
Whatever, Sarah Levy, 2016
Scott Scheidly, Ass Clown, 2016
Illma Gore, Make America Great Again, 2016
“I’ll build a beautiful wall, with my name on it.” The Politician (Karen Finley) address the nation from the veranda of Villa Montalvo, Saratoga, California. Judy Phu/Far East of Eden
The Champ Kelly Slater Weighed in with an Election-Themed Art Show
The Performance Artist Who Stalked and Campaigned for Donald Trump in the Year 2000
Follow The Creators Project on Instagram for a refreshing break from Donald Trump-themed art.
Every vote counts, so remember to hit the polls on November 8, and check out the VICE Guide to the 2016 Election.
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An Artist Is Churning Out Steve Buscemi Portraits for Election Day