$1.4M Painting of Nude Trump Triggers Death Threats

Illma Gore's piece hangs in London gallery
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 17, 2016 3:55 PM CDT
Updated Apr 18, 2016 12:20 AM CDT
$1.4M Painting of Nude Trump Triggers Death Threats
Part of Illma Gore's painting, "Making America Great Again."   (YouTube)

An LA-based artist is facing a possible lawsuit and alleged death threats over her painting of Donald Trump in the buff. Illma Gore's piece, "Making America Great Again," is hanging at the Maddox Gallery in London after US galleries refused to show it over security concerns, the Guardian reports. Why the big stir? In part because the Republican presidential candidate's penis appears a little small—especially when compared to the painting's $1.4 million price tag. "Who knew it would be such a big deal?" says Gore. "I think an artist’s job is to take the times we’re living in and then set the scene. It is a representation of where we are." She says she went to Britain after receiving the anonymous death threats.

The painting first went viral on Gore's Facebook page in February, and she has since been tangled up in a confusing back-and-forth with the site over the image, Motherboard reports. First it was banned, but it's now back. It also was delisted from eBay after an anonymous third party filed a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice threatening to sue Gore if she sells the work, reports CBS News. Amid all this, Gore is offering free downloads on her website. Cordelia de Freitas, director of the Maddox gallery, says interest rose in the 11"-by-14" painting after Trump referenced the size of his genitals in a debate. Hundreds of people have gone to see the painting in London, where Gore says reaction "has been incredibly supportive. Everywhere apart from America has been great." (This is not Gore's first headline-generating art project.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X