Change in Command for the Commander in Chief

Throughout history, artists have often had a strong political voice, working for or against a government to add culture and heart to their countries. During the McCain/Obama election, I had more than 3 invitations to donate my artwork to art auction events to raise money for Obama. These events were all facilitated by artists gathering for the cause. On the day of the election, a friend of mine, Jonathan Horowitz exhibited his new installation, entitled, “Obama 08” congratulating the victory of Obama even before it was decided.

There is also hope that this new administration will usher in increased support for the arts. One simple step President Obama could take is to appoint a Secretary of the Arts. This position would foster a greater focus on national support for the arts, culminating in large public artworks, airports designed by the artists, and increased funding for non-profit art organizations.

As I travel to other countries, from the airport to the city, I often come across humongous sculptures by renowned artists of that country. It is a good sign of prosperity when the culture of art is promoted in any country. When interesting installations are a part of the cityscape it suggests that a society is wealthy in their heart and nurtures the beauty of culture.

Born in Hiroshima, Japan, 1972, Hiroshi Sunairi lives and works in New York where he teaches at NYU’s Department of Art and Art Professions. His most recent installation work entitled “White Elephant” was shown in the Japan Society of New York in 2007. “White Elephant” is a deconstructed life-size ceramic elephant, a 9.11 memorial not only for Americans but also for Iraqis and the people of Afghanistan. The installation “A Night of Elephants” was shown at Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art, Japan in 2005 (Sunairi’s hometown). For this installation, Sunairi collaborated with the city of Hiroshima to gather pruned trees that survived the atomic bombing, all of which he inserted into a metal framework in the shape of an elephant lying down. Departing from the Western saying that “Elephants Never Forget,” this work debuted on the 60th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. Sunairi has exhibited with Andrew Kreps Gallery, New York, and LA Galerie Lothar Albrecht, Frankfurt, and Galleri Wang, Oslo.