The Tactics of Tyrants Are Always Transparent

Date: 2003

Region: North America

Subject: Political/Economic/Social Opinion

Medium: Design


Artist: Chuck Bowden

Confronting Bodies: Redwood Art Association donor

Dates of Action: December, 2003

Location: Eureka, California

Description of Artwork: Bowden's 11 x 14 inch drawing, The Tactics of Tyrants Are Always Transparent, shows the image of a crown and a halo-topped George W. Bush standing on a grave, his hand dripping with blood, and bodies falling from the World Trade Center in the background.

The Incident: Bowden's piece won second place in the Redwood Art Association's annual fall exhibit. However, the piece was removed after a businessman rescinded his $300 prize, accusing the piece of being "hate speech." The owner of the Redwood Art Association claims that the removal was based on the piece's exorbitant appraisal, which exceeded the amount for the exhibit's insurance claim.

Results of Incident: Bowden was given a gift of $300 by an anonymous donor.

Source: www.Boston.com