Blue Donald J Trump Hybrid Clone w/Scales - Red Jolly Roger Ship Flag Secret Spaceforce

This piece is part of the second sub-series to be created in this 4+ series tribute to Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol. Which, all began as the compulsion to make art, out out of something both readily available, and that might be easily interpretted, and appreciated by the masses.

This sub-series, called "Jolly Roger Flags (of 'The US Secret Space Force/Program')", is the result of a creative inspiration to explore a whimsical notion, based on a somewhat widely-held ('conspiratorial') belief/suspicion/rumor, during several months in 2022. An inspiration, that sought to introduce & explore the possible (heavy) social implications of--(or at least the public's reaction to)--such a notion/reality. With the goals being synthesized into a light-hearted, if not humorous presentation that would be appreciated, thought-provoking, or engaging--(as well as, mildly 'shocking', or even offensive to some)--but also, highly recognizable in its imagery, and thus 'consumable' by the masses. Or, to bring focus back, full-circle, & use Warholesque-characterizations--explore creating a limited run collection (of handmade, 'commercialist', pop art-themed commodities)--that develops from the fundamental elements of the initial tribute series, but also intentionally incorporates more risk from the public & critics.

Intentionally seeking out a greater likelihood of professional scrutiny, receiving negative feedback, or offending portions and of the public--was done, in order to greater-symbolize--1) the risk that Warhol took, by stepping-outside of the safe, and familiar, professional world & echo-chamber that he'd established & relied upon in building his "Factory" for art (& artist-peers), in order to bring us Pop Art, and 2) to represent the emergence of Basquiat--as a powerful professional artist (with the courage & desire to risk shocking--or  offending critics or possible clientele), and also as a tenacious & intelligent individual, as a thoughtfully-opinionated collaborative force, as a professional equal, and as an uniquely-insightful and -enduring inspiration.

The pieces from this sub-series, arose through the creation of the prior sub-series, "Backgrounds", which was inspired by Andy Warhol's fascination with the status elevation in pop culture and iconic celebrities, as well as his use of repeated portrait imagery displayed symettrically for comparison, within the same composition--while experimenting with simple elements, such as changing the color of certain components, especially as he did in his screen printing--backgrounds, for example.

While you will not find the the intentionally-abrasive, neo-expressionist Basquiat in this sub-series--you might sense his seething combination of passion, intellect, commitment, courage, creativity, devotion to calling out historical injustices, his willingness to identiy with and speak on behalf of large portions of people--who haven't traditionally been given an opportunity or voice--and his justiiable rage at a super-system of despair that has been based on egregious exploitation and denial. 

Honoring these two great Artists, with the work from this sub-series, was only the beginning.
It has led to so much more!


Acrylic, Tissue Paper, Ink,
Pen- & Brush-Reinforced Print, Painted on Stretched Canvas

8 x 10 x .5 - Inches