Norman Rockwell’s granddaughter paints terrorists
By Christopher Moloney, OutFront producer
Daisy Rockwell’s grandfather, Norman Rockwell, created some of the most iconic illustrations of American life.
Her uncle is a celebrated sculptor.
Her father built a giant pyramid – inspired by Hindu temples – lined with thousands of plastic action figures.
And she paints terrorists.
For the better part of the past decade, under the pseudonym “Lapata,” Daisy Rockwell has been creating images of terror suspects in unexpected poses.
In one piece, Mohamed Mahmood Alessa, a New Jersey man arrested for allegedly trying to join a terrorist group in Somalia, is cuddling his cat.
In another, Aafia Siddiqui, currently serving 86 years for attempting to kill U.S. nationals, is seen on her graduation day.
Rockwell told CNN the innocent-looking portraits – based on actual photographs of her subjects – were intentional and her way of “dismantling the aura of fear” that surrounds these people, to better understand their actions.
“We are supposed to think that those who wish America ill are motivated by evil and to not think any further than that,” says Rockwell. “(But America) has spent quite a bit of time meddling in the affairs of other countries. Whether we like it or not, there are plenty of reasons out there for people to wish us ill as a country.”
Rockwell has traveled extensively and holds a doctorate in South Asian literature, which she says, in retrospect, may have been her way of escaping the legacy of her family name.
“I started studying Hindi in college because I love learning languages,” she says. “I wanted to learn a language that was very unfamiliar to me, and I grew very interested in South Asian literature. It taught me a great deal about perspectives I was unfamiliar with.”
These new perspectives feature prominently in her latest book, “The Little Book of Terror,” a collection of her essays and paintings about terrorism.
Divided into five sections, the book includes paintings of people whose names you know (Osama bin Laden, Saddam Hussein), and some you might not (Jalaluddin Haqqani and Ilyas Kashmiri).
Rockwell considers her process an “interaction” with the people she paints and occasionally changes her opinion about them.
“When you look that closely at someone, you almost always develop sympathy for them,” Rockwell says. “It's like sitting next to someone for a long bus ride. … I want to think about who these people are and why they made the choices they did. I want to share the results of my thoughts, which are my paintings, with other people.”
She was particularly inspired to paint bin Laden.
“We take for granted who he was and what he did and why, and stop thinking of him as a human being with profoundly human motivations. The war on terror is quite bizarre, when you think about it, because it's a war on an emotion - fear. At least, that is what we are told. Instead of just being at war, we are trying to stamp out fear itself.”
Still, for the all the time she’s spent thinking about (and painting) terrorism, she considers global warming the “most overwhelming problem we face.”
“(Global warming) will ultimately destroy our human habitat,” she says. “At that point, throwing bombs at each other and arguing about birth control will be moot points.”
What do you think of Daisy Rockwell’s work? Do you agree that the war on terror is a “war on an emotion”? Is global warming the “most overwhelming problem we face”?
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What an idiot. Trying to cash in on the family name. You're about as talented a the Beatle's offspring with all of their lousy albums and awful photography and clothes. Get a job looser.
LOL, u funny !!
@Dollly:
Actually, you meant to spell "loser," not "looser."
I think it is time to pick up a mirror and smile for everyone.
I kinda hope she paints a few more. Get the Pastells out queeny rockwell we are going to drone syria into the ground.
While I sympathize with Daisy Rockwell's concern for global warming and attempts to understand the the tangible motivations behind the actions of terrorists, one must not forget that said terrorists are labeled such because they are responsible for the deaths of innocent human beings. It is true that many individuals refuse to think rationally about "The war on terror" and see the middle east behind a veil of blind rage, but these men and women are the orchestrators of atrocity and murder. Also, it is important to note that Terrorism is a worldwide schism and troubles many countries in addition to the US, Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. The desire to see life from another perspective is admirable and Rockwell might very well be of my same mind but perhaps she should better pronounce the fact that the people she paints are indeed criminals, no matter their religion, history, or the US actions that prompted them.
As for the quality of her artwork...It is not comparable to those icons of her Grandfather's hand yet it is not without a certain merit of it's own. One should not seek to condemn the brainchildren of others simply for the sake of doing so but award them what congratulations they deserve, no matter how few.
and governments and soldiers are not responsible for the death of innocents? you think our CIA is innocent with respect to terrorizing and meddling in the lives of innocents? sorry for your amnesia abby.
Though a fan, I was troubled by Erikn Burnett's comment this evening about the "bad news" of increased breeding by sharks (supposedly because of climate change) . We all have a visceral if totally unfounded fear of sharks, but it is time we called it like it is: most shark species of the worlds' oceans are in big trouble because they are very slow breeders and are exploited intensively for their fins and out of blind and ignorant fear wantonly hunted for no purpose other than to kill them. The story of many species of sharks is a sad one and their future is very much in doubt, not only do they sufferfrom a bad rap but many populations are severely depleted; thus they deserve our concern not our fear. I am hoping that CNN and Erin Burnett can consider the real story about sharks and help to tell it in a sensitive way. C. Mayo, PhD, Marine Biologist
Daisy,
You speak the words of Heaven. If only more people thought like you. The only way we are going to end fear in this world is to face it unafraid.
God bless you!
What is this junk. Just crap. get a job
Guys, she can paint what she wants. You can have your opinions, but I doubt that that's going to stop her from painting what she likes to paint.
Yikes! Another trust fund whack job!! Her grandfather would be rolling over in his grave!! Don't leave that kind of money to spoiled children!!!! Maybe she and Al Gore Jr can hook up!!
Agree with you. Another spoiled brat with a cause. It's a non-story. If she was Daisy Smith, she wouldn't even get mentioned regarding her "art", much less a plug for her book. Once again, thanks to the media. BTW she sure doesn't have any of the talent her grandfather had.
What kind of terrorist names his cat "Tuna Princess"
Sounds like a few women Ive met
It is very easy to find pictures of a smiling, genial Adolf Hitler accepting flowers from children. He looks like a kindly uncle. He also can be found petting his dog, Blondi–which he later had poisoned.
Where is G.W Bush
Wow, this lady carries her OWN CAMERA! She's a real gritty, risk taking woman of the people reporter!
Meh. Her work was mildly interesting – until she opened her mouth and tried to explain them – then they just became part of that growing pile of pablum we have to put up with. Good object lesson for aspiring artists: DON"T GIVE INTERVIEWS.
Artistic interpretation of snakes that wrap around him or what ?
Comparable to so-called "art" made with feces, elephant dung and the like.
Awe, sweet little terrorists. I just want to give them a a big hug now.
NOT!!!
hope Osama is enjoying his dirt nap. He sure wished us to have one.
Osama died a long time ago. We had nothing to do with it.
You may not remember that Osama was buried at sea...
...and here's one of Charlie Manson looking thoughtful while drinking a cup of coffee, and another one of Jeffery Dahmer sleeping in front of the TV. Here's one of Ted Bundy playing cards. Certainly changes my mind about these guys.
And no, the "War on Terror" is NOT a war on an emotion. It is a war on terror organizations. What is she smoking?
Whack job! Her reasoning for wanting to paint these people is misguided and ignorant. By the same reasoning she should be doing portraits of Hitler in his jammies sipping a cup of warm milk. Of course these people are human and do some of the same things non-deluded people do but who cares? I don't. The fact that a murderer cuddles with his cat doesn't make him any less of a murderer. The U.S. is absolutely in the right for going after these folks.
If her name wasn't Rockwell we wouldn't be reading this article.
You people don't get it... She's "painting" these people as the scared, isolated, disenfranchised people they are. She's highlighting the "regular" aspects of these people; the dude with the cat, the girl with the teddy bear, the guy with the science degree. The only thing that makes these people different is brainwashing, and it IS possible to open a dialogue to these folks... I think her grandfather would be proud. He was able to highlight American commonality in a way that still resonates today.
I think most of us kind of get that but simply must vent over the evil they allowed themselves to become.
You seem to be the only person that understands what she is trying to do with these paintings. (apologies if you wrote something below that was worth reading. I stopped after a half dozen post by people who do not have open minds). Considering some recent leaders use of fear to lead the people (ie terror alert color coding that do nothing to increase security.) , I applaud her attempt to reduce the fear factor and look at situations with a clear mind and level head. Those that act out of fear generally do not think rationally.
Very well said. This is an interesting sociological experiment. I appreciate her brand of art.
Another trust fund kid with a popular name looking for something to do. P.S the apple fell and rolled down the street on this one!
Lets see your paintings, or are you simply a passing critic? I think her art is very powerful and deserves contemplation. Also, her execution is quite brilliant, contrary to the what the rednecks are spewing in this comment section.
I'm sorry but this is just plain weird. I doubt grandpa would understand. He painted Americana.
A brilliant technician, but not a painter.
Norman Rockwell painted America not exactly the way it was but the way it wanted to see itself. (I have all 3 volumes of his Saturday Evening Post covers). His niece seems to be painting these subjects in the way that she thinks they would want to see themselves, so in that respect it's no sar far from what Norman had done. I understand her political point – that people don't see themselves as evil, rather than they view their own actions as justified. However I think her work comes across wrong, as it will elicit anger from her viewers rather than contemplation.
Then they will have to deal with that anger, and maybe think about the true origin of that anger. The opinion they have of these people are based on lies and deceit. Their minds have been manipulated to the point of accepting these atrocious wars that are an affront on all humanity. Have you noticed the demonizing that goes on, years before actual conflict? Manufacturing consent. Manufacturing opinion. Manufacturing the enemy.
"... there are plenty of reasons out there for people to wish us ill as a country." I agree. Wishing us ill and terrorism are not the same thing.
Look at these portraits and realize these people want you to die, short and simple. Look at the deep evil lurking here. If they have the opportunity they would without hesitation kill. Why would anyone want to feel sympathetic to someone that wants our and our children's blood? You libs are awash in a delusional fantasy land. Oh, and they want you to die too. Are you so brainwashed that you would not even protect your family, hmm? Are you blind sheep to the slaughter?? Unbelievable!! There is no reason to humanize terrorists other than for diversionary, propagandize and give less meaning to their twisted agenda of complete domination. This trick is as old as time itself, don't get sucked into this propaganda and sheer stupidity. The stark reality: terrorists are bent on a one-way track to our destruction. Wake-up America!!!
You try to make an intelligent argument and then discredit yourself by labeling someone a liberal. Go back to the medival ages.
Pucku, what I say is grounded upon fact. Liberalism is the ideology that accepts the lunacy of sympathy for terrorists, not conservative values. The context of this artists work, the support it appears to garner, has liberalism and its distorted ideology plastered all over it henceforth, I'm going right to the heart of the matter. As for you, you have to state a meaningless and ridiculous catch phrase because you can't articulate a cohesive and intelligent thought? Appears so.
I have yet to read about an ideal (democracy, communism, etc.) where their purpose is evil. There may be disagreements, but to make blanket statements is ignorant and dangerous. Intolerant people make this a worse place to live. Since you like politics, do you think Rush L. is pushing the country in the right direction? Here is a man that speaks for the purpose of making money for himself with no accountability or moral consideration for how they may affect us. if you are looking for evil, I would tell you to turn on the radio.
Btru, so then you must not agree when governments indenture or murder their citizens, there is no evil? How about when terrorists want to kill you and you've done nothing wrong? How about when a foreign power is determined to eradicate other peoples? What about terrorism by an ill-intent foreign power that wipes out whole investments and life savings? Is there evil in any of this? I can think of example upon example regarding these stark realities, even going back through the annuls of time. You claiming simple intolerance is such an easy way out and is an attempt to deflect from the true realities. No, ignorance and danger are a result of being stupid and naïve to ideologies that codifies, and accepts the sympathies of terrorism, in its every form. You see there is no in-between. You either support it, or you don't. You should look at what affect any act of terrorism would have on you personally. We are talking about terrorism as a subject, right? So then, why should I be tolerant of those who desire my destruction? I really hope a light bulb goes on.
You ask me about Rush L. Let me ask you: do you listen to Rush or do you listen to the main steam media that have their agendas set to spin what he says? You know, left vs right. If you can tell me that you listen to him regularly, I'll tell you my opinion. No reason to discuss unless you base your opinions on truth and reality. I have one for you: how about Mark Levin? Do you listen to him? Have you read Ameritopia? Its a short but challenging read. It would do you well to get a copy, can't hurt. Who knows maybe you'll begin to think differently.
Look here, Kraven.
NOBODY is saying that these people are not dangerous. They are dangerous. They commit evil acts, and harmful acts, and wish everyone harm. BUT THEY ARE STILL HUMAN.
There is still something that conviced them that what we perceive as evil and violating the rights of others, is okay and alright, even if it is just sociopathy.
That one man can cuddle with a cat shows some empathy. They have families. And yes, to us and our perception of them, they may be doing wrong, but WHAT LED THEM TO THINK THIS WAS OKAY?
WHAT MAKES THEM THINK THAT WE ARE LESS AND DESERVE TO BE TREATED THUSLY?
That is the question Ms. Rockwell asks in her paintings. They are humans, and therefore have MOTIVATIONS for WHAT THEY DO. It is important to ask these questions to BREAK THE CYCLE.
I hope the caps got through your partisan lens.
You need to ask questions, or else how do you KNOW that they are wrong to do so? You advocate for their destruction as they advocate for yours. They consider us as we consider them in this fear induced climate. WE NEED TO ASK, ELSE WE ARE NO BETTER THAN THEY.
Look here, tlars699: Keep the CAPS and lecturing to yourself, it makes you look like a complete and arrogant fool. And now, one of great wisdom, what are we supposed to do with this brilliant revelation that we have now determined that terrorists ARE STILL HUMAN, have animals and families? I guess they do all the same things normal American people do, right? Glad we got that cleared-up. Except they use their own as human shields, bring death to the innocent and non-combatants including women and children!! My opinion of Rockwell's work (some may say art) and concerning her statements are clearly romantic and sympathetic towards terrorists. Your statement of something convincing them that what we perceive as evil and violating to others, is okay and alright (??), seems to miss the mark, it makes little grammatical sense. Stop the sugar coating; Rockwell is not asking a question, but she is certainly making a statement. Its propaganda, cuddling up to the terrorists, plain and simple. Break what cycle? How will I know the wrong they do is wrong, or not? Is that what you're saying? Are you saying that they may be justified to killing US citizens? Just asking. You should collect your thoughts, write in complete thought, not half thought, makes it difficult to follow what you're trying to say. I know the wrong they do by understanding how they see us, desire our death, and having killed US citizens (and others). Look down the gun barrel of the terrorist about to snuff-out your life and see how much psychoanalysis and reasoning you can do. You are attempting to over-complicate the mind of hardened killers. And, if you would become aware of the inner feelings and motivations of the terrorists, what would you do with that information? You're damn right I advocate their destruction. Would you if you or your loved ones precious lives are on the line? If you answer yes, I guess that makes you like me. Rockwell is most unfortunately delusional and seeing that she is a big global warming theorist adds to the insanity, as global warming is a complete hoax.
I knew Norman Rockwell's work, and she ain't no Norman Rockwell.
Nor is she purported to be or attempting to be.
Once you get past the shift in hues, her technical skill is quite good. If you view the shades of blue and green as more like grayscale you can see her knowledge of how light behaves and her ability to see that is tune with her grandfater. You seem to be mad about that fact she obviously likes Andy Warhol.
Her statement that "America has been meddling in the affairs of other countries..." makes it sound as if she is suggesting the horrific actions these terrorists perform are our fault. She's would like us to try to think of these terrorists as human beings. It would be far easier to do that if they acted like rational human beings rather than single-minded animals. I agree the US has a strong, and possibly questionable foreign strategy (in some cases). The way to correct that (if one is at odds with the policy) is to engage in a rational discussion – demonstrate a willingness to co-exist. The fact that so many of these asian cultures are unwilling to act rationally and recognize individual human rights makes such discussions almost impossible.
We meddle, thus, we're hated.
jihad jane was fake, it has been proven.
This just seems like another child riding the coat tail of a famous parent. The art seemed mundane, counting on the contreversy of the subject matter to attract the attentionof the media, which it did effectively. Its too bad that the media can be so easily manipulated.
As an artist myself, I saw people like this in art school all the time. Lacking in skill they instead turned to a gimmicky subjects that were intended to leave an impression when the art could not. If you need to explain the meaning of a painting to the viewer you didn't do your job as an artist.
If your goal is to humanize someone, try painting some of the countless innocent people all over the world killed by your subjects so they are seen as people and not just statistics.
I don't particularly love the style but I see nothing to get upset about. If Daisy wants to contemplate the humanity of terrorists and terrorist leaders in her art that's fine by me. Making a colorful painting of a terrorist with his favorite cat isn't going to change anyone's opinion of anything. People have thought through these issues time and again before they ever saw these paintings and art in the fine art realm doesn't have real social or politcal power. Unless it's used as propaganda, that is. i.e. the Obama hope poster.
What I find curious is how she is painting almost the polar opposite subject from Norman. Where he painted syrupy American nostalgia in an academically flawless style she paints subjects which are loathed by most Americans in a simplified expressionist style.
I also think it's amusing that people are getting more upset over her artist statement than the actual artworks. If you didn't know these were by Norman Rockwell's daughter you wouldn't have looked twice.
I am a bit surprised that Timothy McVeigh and Eric Rudolph weren't good enough to make the cut...
This article is not news. More like an feature in a high school paper.
its a crazy world. my daughter thinks the United States needs to apologize for ending WWII.
If Norman wasn't your grandfather, this story would not be here. I don't see a lot of talent in these pictures nor is the message you are tryiing to send at all obvious. Maybe you should find something else to do.
like sit on CNN all day and make crap comments. There's a contribution to society.
Art is subjective. I find these portraits speak volumes to me and think they are wonderfully done.
OH, NOEZ!!! It's art that's not obvious!?!?! Whatever will we do?!?!?!?
Oh, David, you're adorable.
My mom refused to put better art than that on the refrigerator.
Agreed – these are horrible, and do nothing but put the faces of murders up for viewing. Disgusting, and your grandfather must be rolling in his grave.
Please try to remember that even those humans who commit atrocities are absolutely human beings. We cannot understand them or the situation by pretending they are other than that.
One must exhibit humanity to be treated as a human, these people have or have tried to kill untold numbers of innocent people.
Those who commit such atrocities are animals. Once you recognize that, then you can understand them perfectly.
True. Hey, what's that unknown van parked outside your window?
Wonder was she inspired by Norman Rockwell's Four Freedoms? Regardless, I think they are freaky.
Obviously has no talent, must have been kind of a let down being a Rockwell. You can see why she's begging for attention.
One of the saddest psychological phenomena is the case where a basically sweet person is mislead by evil people. She has a natural sympathy for the underdog. I think she should spend time with the victims of the people she paints. One of the reasons evil people get away with evil is because they can con people like Daisy and even turn them into enablers. She should definitely never be trusted with a security clearance. Daisy needs to grow up.
If she wasn't painting portraits of islamic terrorists who would kill her - just for painting the human form - then she'd probably be one of those creepy pathetic enabling women who marry murderers on death row and devote themselves to getting their monstrous husbands out of prison. Or she'd be a lunatic animal rights activist, publicizing scientists photos and home addresses and longing for their deaths.
There's something very wrong, very sad but very wrong, in this woman's childhood, that has twisted her priorities and led her to sympathize with monsters like bin Ladin rather than his victims.
Hey Daisy. SS child-killers would make great people to paint. Gee, Dr. Mengele was a doctor. Picture him with a stethoscope and twin girls. Hitler used to tickle little girls under the chin. Eichmann was a health freak – he loved showers. Picture him with a bar of soap in his hands.
You are a disgrace to your family name.
"When you look that closely at someone, you almost always develop sympathy for them,” Rockwell says. Sympathy for a terrorist? Really?! How's about you go smoke another doobie, and talk more hippie tree hugger BS somewhere else, because I will never buy what you're creating. This isn't art–this dehumanizes any person who has ever lost their life to the hands of pieces of crap like this.
He meant sympathy for another human being. If you were raised in that situation or country or time and place, judging from you're anger and lack of capacity for empathy, there's a high likelihood that you would be a terrorist. You've got to put yourself in someone else's shoes, bro. Don't turn to the dark side.
Muzzies and Libs, kind of like peanut butter and chocolate?
These paintings promote fear and hate which generally means the artist is dark and sad to want to focus on this subject matter.
It's embarrassing that other nations are going to see this as the middle east is full of culture and beauty and elegance. No wonder people from other countries look at Americans and think we're pigs. I'm so sorry to international viewers as these paintings express the artist's heart and not the USA. Not mine.
Art is subjective. You don't get to decide what it means for everyone else who looks at it. If you think the subjects of these paintings are great patriots, you don't belong in the United States of America.
thank-you for saying what needed to be said
Thanks I feel better now.
Yeah, the middle east was never full of culture. They only invented our writing system, algebra, chess, and scores of other contributions to humanity. God forbid we not label them as evil. Ridiculous...
The art actually captures the charisma of evil people. That is what lay people are not understanding. These paintings show that although these people are monsters, there is a reason that people follow them. An enemy you do not respect is an enemy you cannot defeat. This art captures a psychological glimpse of what the followers of these fiends see in these individuals. It is fantastic art and her father would be proud.
Excuse me, grandfather would be proud.
No, he wouldn't be proud. He would be embarrassed and ashamed by this crap.
I agree with you. I can't say whether her grandfather would be proud. I don't think these paintings glorify these people as some have suggested. As Norman painted the innocent reality of his time, she is doing the same by painting the fearful reality of her time. I admire her for taking such a bold step, she had to know she would get a lot of kickback.
I don't know what the debate is about "humanizing" these people. They are indisputably human. Calling them monsters, etc. is just a way to not have to debate their ideas or consider what they say.
This young lady claims that they have legitimate grievances, that not everything America does around the world is wonderful. Yet I don't see any of the people in here who are waving their arms and yelling responding to that point directly. I've been reading up on cults lately, and the response here is cult-like, i.e., based on brainwashing and not interpretation of fact.
Have a good day.
absolute straight up kook
Quote: "Rick H. absolute straight up kook"
one good point. there IS a reason we are being attacked. but YOU dont know it. first thing I learned when I left america is how many countries have suffered from undercover power manipulation from the US CIA. all the destabilization going on around the world? most likely caused by CIA in an attempt to topple leaders without an outright attack. You are being watched, America does commit atrocities world wide, and this is NOT the best country in the world, only people who think so are sheep easily controlled by consumerism and the fun of TV.
Then leave – see what kind of life you can create in one of those "poor" persecuted countries. And when you realize what you lost by leaving the US, then MAYBE you will appreciate what you had. Norman Rockwell's paintings glamorized the simple, US life – I really don't think he would like or appreciate his granddaughter's "art".
So she paints, and it about Muslims....SO BE IT !!! Let her express herself the way she wants...And before all you people start "posting" to my comment, Is she hurting anyone? Are we to the point where ANYONE does or says anyhting about "muslims", we are "hated" for it ? Not "all" muslim people are bad...
Daisy,
Your works are well-executed. I, like countless others, enjoy your grandfather's work as well. As for the politics however, don't be disillusioned by the tv, or making killers into victims. For starters, you should remember that islamofascists would not let you produce your art. Nor would you have had access to the research needed for your Ph.d under their rule, and remember as well that many of their leaders have priveledged backgrounds–both economically and educationally. Of course, one must try to empathize when possible, but let's not oversimplify things. I encourage you to more fully research the nature of Islamofascist groups, before deciding that they are loveable victims. I hope I'm not misrepresenting you, but am only basing my thoughts on this article's content.
Judging by Daisy's background I'm guessing she could teach you a thing or two about the subject matter in her paintings. I'd like to remind you that you're not talking about a child and you should think about losing the condescending tone.
Many Christian fascists wouldn't allow her work to be produced either IMO.
I see your point, but I do like her concept of "dismantling the aura of fear". I think that humanizing these people takes their power away while dehumanizing them can have the effect of giving them more power.
The art is incredibly lazy, just like the youth of today. Matisse gave thousands of mediocre painters and excuse to paint. Matisse was great.
Should all art in your perfect world consist of perfectly scaled and realistic images. You sound boring... Ever hear of R. Mutt? Art invokes emotions and thought it doesn't just have to be pretty pictures for your wall.
I didn't realize until now how many trained Masters of Fine Art were commenting on CNN. Some of these comments are so amazingly ignorant. Your child's elementary school has better artists? They have the capacity at that age, to be an artist?
I want all of you to talk to as many Mid-Easterners as you can. A very, very small minority are radical, and just want their lives back. It seems so easy to paint every "brown" person as Islamic trash.
@Guy Viti. Do you know where all the trees in Afghanistan went? Do you think the woman there have always been treated as they are now?
Anyway, just sick of hearing ALL Islamic and Muslim people being painted the same, all billion of them. That's like saying all of us are members of the KKK.
Now I'm heading over to the war in Iran board to say hi to all the people who want blood for Iran, from their couches.
The ultimate result of a war on terror, is that you become the enemy.
That rumbling sound you hear is Norman Rockwell rolling in his grave!
Is she 13 years old? Those paintings are horrible. Love the subject matter though.
Agreed. Her work wouldn't get a second look if she didn't pick controversial subject matters or have the last name of Rockwell.
Her grandfather is turning over in his grave right now with all her 'nonsense' that she writes and paints about!!! I am a die-hard Norman Rockwell follower and have been to his museum in Massachusetts many, many times – both the old one and the new one. I have a collection of 50 of his plates from Life Magazine covers and many books with his paintings and have read every book and article about him.
He would be absolutely disgusted by what she is saying, and I really feel sorry for the Rockwell family that this bad publicity has come out for them about one of America's most beloved artists and historians of our time.
Pictures of terrorists with flowers does not humanize them. I find this concept really juvenile. I am not against the idea of showing a more 'human' side to people we view of as evil, I just don't think she achieved this with her purple palette and odd juxtaposition of homey things. Of all the paintings, painting 3 comes closest to the goal, but even it misses the mark.
Well she obviously did not inherit her grandfather's talent. Why is it that modern artists won't devote the effort needed to learn how to paint well. They all paint the same crappy way. Some day my generation will figure out that this stuff is junk.
thank you... seriously. The same thing happens when someone buys an expensive camera. All of a sudden they are a pro... art is more than the tools you use people.
It's a style of art and art comes in many different forms. If all paintings were the same, it would be boring. Look what Picasso did. Seemed like that guy was on acid but yet his work is worth big bucks. Every artist should have a different style just like the buyers.
The idea behind the paintings (that we need to take on a more complex or 'sophisticated' view of 'terrorists') strikes some as radical or abhorrent, but it isn't new- much of the coverage of the war and sectarian violence in Iraq centered on this question. I tend to think it is an over-simplified view, but my real problem is with how she has ripped-off and simplified the (far superior) work of other artists who have handled similar territory. Google 'gerhard richter baader meinhoff cycle,' "andy warhol death and disaster series' or 'Khosrow Hassanzadeh', then look at her paintings again. I know I'll be disagreed with, but I think that an artist cribbing ideas and then poorly executing them in a half-hearted way is worse than whatever the idea is she pretends to profess.
Just another lib excusing the terrorists and minimizing their actions. She is falling for rhetoric from psychopaths. Lies and deception is allowable in Islam. Compassion is not. Read "The Road to Paradise" and just try to make yourself aware.
The view you take is supremely ignorant. You cannot lump all people into one group. Regardless of fanatics there will always be the majority of normal people. You're the type of person who is so consumed with your own "side" of the fight that you forget we are ALL HUMANS. We have to approach our enemies as humans in delegation even if we approach each other as animals on the battlefield. It's either that or you must embrace that we are NO BETTER than those animals.
Also, the Road to Paradise is written by a COMIC BOOK ARTIST, hardly a viable source for an intelligent opinion.
I'm all for self expression, and I might have enjoyed the paintings if the artist had not opened her mouth. So if I cuddle my cat before I go some people up I should thought of as compassionate? Give me a break. Oh and everyone calling Islam a "religion of violence" is stupid if they do not include christianity and judaism. Just about all religions are violent, and the mob mentality of religion only excites that violence.
Just another hateful American is all.
Just another American hateful freak.
I consider myself politically liberal, but terrorism is one area in which my side of the isle are particularly clueless. We don't learn anything by "humanizing" terrorists. They are theocratic tyrants, and the source of their violence is Islam. They are barely human, they have subverted their most human traits for a religion that is anti-life. It's a cult of death, if only because everything in Islam is focused on something other than this life. If it were not for the promise of an afterlife in paradise, there would be no suicide bombers.
True. Can you imagine someone humanizing Hitler? I guess we caused World War II as well. There were plenty of reasons for Germany to hate after World War I – but they were jut excuses, just like the terrorists use a ton of excuses as to why they want to bring down the west.
I think her painting technique is as immature as her thought process.
If only all of the posters opposed to the attention Ms. Rockwell is getting had been this vocal when CNN reported on Kim Kardashian's divorce...
I don't know why you guys are all getting so upset... the finger-painted teddy bear really made me emotionally "radical."
Actually, if you have nose for art this is quite well done stuff. People get angry because she depicted terrorists in her paintings, hence trashing it all...get over it.
Her artistic talent is in the eye of the beholder, but her explanation of what these paintings are supposed to represent doesn't even make sense once you look at them. Some of the works definitely tend to humanize the subjects and bring them back into the realm of people who are not worth the huge amount of fear we attach to them. But other paintings seem to glorify the terrorists and amplify their importance, like the ones of the couple and of Jihad Jane. They are inconsistent as a group in their message. That, to me, is the reason she is not a relevant artist. She doesn't provoke in any meaningful way– she's just a confusing poser.
Just that the word "moot" is not well placed in her last statement. The word weights more as debatable and thinking carefully than irrelevant.
I think it was a typo. The headline should have read "Rockwell Kin Paints "Terribly"!
Regardless of political views...a horrible artist.
You mean Norman Rockwell? Absolutely. He would even agree with you, in fact, because he never considered his illustrations to be worthy of the term "art".
Seems like a small person trying to fit big shoes.
where's bush's portrait?
President Bush would be under American Hero's. This wizard paints (if you can call it that) animals that murder innocent people, because deep down they are nice. More lib garbage.
There are paintings of Bush & Cheney on her flickr stream: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lapata. This just gets betta & betta.
For sure...stood by and watched the economy tank...didnt catch Bin Ladin....4000 dead americans for non existant weapons of mass destruction......Thats a hero for sure.
Her grandfather's love of America and art funded her college. I guess when you inherit all that money you can pretty much say and do what you feel.....even if it means trashing your country.
You should do a little research, as Ms Rockwell has obviously done, about America and our invovement in the Middle East. I do not condone terrorism but we have done many bad things to many countries over there. Or you can just go waive your flag and ignore it, like most Americans.
No country or their policies are perfect – surely you can't feel that everything the U.S. had done with respect to international policy over the past 50 years deserves no criticism whatsoever? Sometimes it is necessary to recognize you are part of the problem in order to improve and move forward. Criticism of America by an American does not equate to a lack of love for the country or a lack of patriotism.
She stated her point of view on how other counrties view america......you know you should try it sometimes, information is a wonderful thing.
This crap looks like serial killer art.
They even made a trailer for the book, like a movie. It's not for the Conservative, I'm afraid. http://youtu.be/VcYWD6pOYLc
I think she was right that the war on terror is a war on fear itself,can you stamp out an emotion?That is the ultimate question.Is it us that should live in fear or the terrorist?we live in fear of our government, and we live in fear of terrorists.We may not say it but in the back of our minds all of us think about terrorist attacks, these days anyway.We all fear the tax man and an audit.I believe we(the US) have come to live fear. When you are controlled by fear the" monster"controls you. The real shame is if you really try to change the status quo , you are then labeled a terrorist your self.So every time that you think something is not right,ask yourself which monster you want to work for,which fear do you want to bow to. I love my country, but I would prefer a world without fear of any terrorist domestic or foreign.........
why do conservatives even bother with commenting on art? Just go look at your kitten in a coffee mug poster and be done with it, it requires no brain power to understand.
Ha ha ha ha very funny...i spit my drink out!
If Norman Rockwell was alive today, I think we might see similar comments. It's the sign of the times.
she should take a painting class
garbage art....
Much the same has been said of Norman's work ever since it was first published. Rockwell himself took umbrage at calling it art and at being called an artist; he insisted he was an illustrator and that they were illustrations.
Beautiful work... OUTSTANDING!
You can't expect one to mimic an original, although many of you compare the artist to Norman Rockwell. That's kind of ignorant.
What's ignorant is believing that this garbage is in any way art.
Well said John!
She obviously has the Rockwell Talent. These pictures will have great value years in the future when the western hypocrisy is fully exposed and the U.S is once again restored.
As if this junk would get any coverage if he wasn't Norman Rockwell's relative.
*she
Office Drone, I could not agree more...these paintings suck! And are absolutely not worth the attention their getting.
The story is not how good or bad she is as an artist (although I think its rather good) but the irony in that her grandfather painted Americana and she is painting terrorists. She is not as good as her grandfather but she is unique.
Not only are her opinions kooky, her paintings aren't even very good. She's definitely no Norman Rockwell nor even Andy Warhol.
Not even Norman Warhol.
Shame, shame, shame on her. This "art" divides. Her grandfather's wonderful art united.
Who does it divide? The nutty foul mouthed right wingers or the people who run around claiming that there are terrorist under the bed (or in it)???
callie
You have made a HUGE incorrrect assumption. I am married to one of the country's leading modern artist. I love, appreciate, and collect modern art. Though not even close to an expert or even nearly as knowlegeable as most re: modern art, i do love all things abstract and have collected since a little girl. Stop assuming thhose with informed critiques are (your quote) " right-wingers."
Check out this comment and my response:(both posted under a comment at 3:15 PM)
Uncle Dave
Actually, I think her paintings are quite compelling. She has a wonderful eye for color, and picks her subject matter well. Her composition is interesting, and the brushwork is deliberately primitivist, which allegorically points out the subjects' common origins. I find her work to be revealing, emotional, and almost lyrical in nature. She's not a realist, nor does she paint pictures of cute little kittens or dogs playing poker, so maybe that's why you don't "get her.
My response:
Her art is a poor representation of abstract. Art is about original thoughts translated to the medium – i.e. painting, sculpture, music, theater. Ms. Rockwell's work is an imitaiton and not original. Her composition is juvenile and the only allegorical aspect to this is the allegory as it relates to her family art "legacy". This work is immature and ego-centric. The description of her educational and "life-experience" explain it all. She does not know who she is or her purpose so self absorbed initation is an easy shortcut. I am guessing she has a monetary inheritance which allows her to be self-indulgent
Bravo, Callie - yours is most intelligent, insightful post I've read in weeks.
Right on!!
Should art only seek to unite people? If so, what about art used to unite terrorists together? Is that alright? How about soviet era art used to unite that country? Look, really good art can be very political and very controversial. Look at Goya's 3rd of May, Picasso's Guernica, or even Delacroix's Liberty Leading the People. These were, and still are in their warm, controversial paintings that *divided* people. They are also wonderful works of art. Heck, even Norman Rockwell divided people with his painting of Ruby Bridges in The Problem We All Live With.
Sure, he painted some very touching images of an idealized America in his illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post but that isn't always the point of art.
It should make people question; not throw up
Callie, I think your opinion is biased and getting the point of being without merit. I may agree with you on some points about the quality of her art but I think you are completely missing the point about the message she is trying to get across. What you are doing is like looking at Guernica and saying "I don't get it. What's the bull doing there?"
She's pushing people to think about the humanity behind the terrorist. That's good because it helps us understand their motivations. With that understanding we can combat them and the forces that lead to terrorism more effectively.
Your statements do nothing to forward that understanding. I think you would prefer to just think of them as comic book villains. I think you are more comfortable with that. I have a feeling her work has pushed you into a state of cognitive dissonance. That's pretty effective art in my view.
I love the bull reference and I LOVE that bull!
Do you think you could provide the definition of cognitive dissonance? That's such a BIG concept for such a small mind...
Could you please provide the definition of cognitive dissonance? Such a BIG concept for such a small mind....
Callie, you are trying to come across as an intellectual that understands art, yet you can't even seem to figure out the 'reply' feature on this site.....
Please send the instructions on working features. Is this a computer? What's a blog? Please teach me everything as your tiny brain is so jam-packed with info. Webster's definition of Know-it-all: DAVE...I can tell you know EVERYTHING there is to know . You must be one terrific person to be around....
Callie, you disappoint me. I thought Chris' reply was well-stated. Your own pedantry just blew up in your face, and your response is childish.
Bravo, Chris! Callie is clearly a troll. If she's married to a "real" artist then I'm married to the Pope!
How on earth could trying to expand someone's mind and get them to cultivate an iota of empathy make people "throw up"? Oh wait...we live in an age of Fox News, Santorum, et. all. Sigh.
Bravo, CALLIE!!!!!! Keep going. Love your comments. ..and yes, Dave, by all means let us know about cognitive dissonance.....
Actually, her grandfather never considered his work art nor himself an artist. He was an illustrator, and they were illustrations. And he was a reasonable judge on this score; his paintings certainly don't rise to the level of high art.
That's an excellent point and while some of them did rise to the level of art he was an illustrator first and foremost. The problem is that most people don't understand the difference. They don't see that just being able to draw or paint doesn't make you an artist.
Was this article a CNN ignoramus-bait?
She's not a particularly good painter, but everything she said is essentially correct.
Sounds like under this administration, Rockwell is qualified to get a position at the Justice Depatment along with Tony West. But most who only get their news from CNN have no idea who Tony West is or about his new post. This is nuts.
Someone cut me off in traffic and flipped me off. I guess they've given me plenty of reason to carry out a little road rage vigilantism, right Daisy?
Yes, the US has made many mistakes in its history, but that didn't give bin Laden a right to murder thousands or make him anything but a crazy despot. Way to blame the victims, Daisy.
So how many Afghans had to die to satisfy our blood lust? Not to mention that Iraq which "Did Not Attack" the USA and yet we killed thousands of people from Iraq? Do those nations and people now have the same right to kill Americans?
Yah, you're right. The Aghans were doing pretty well before the U.S. went in there. I mean afterall I can't imagine how they are being entertained now that the soccer statement isn't being used for public executions. And wow, I'm sure the women of Afghanistan would just love to go back to being treated like animals, being cooped up on their homes or being raped and beaten for wearing makeup. My fear is that when we leave that country the women will once again be subjected to such inhumane brutality, but I guess that's the fault of the U.S. as well. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
I'm sorry, I meant to say soccer stadium, not statement. But you seem smart enough to understand what I'm saying. I pray everyday for these people in bondage to corruption, hypocrisy, poverty, war, sickness and natural disasters that do not have the type of welfare or government programs that are found in the West. But I'm thankful that many missionaries have gone over there, risking their lives to set up clinics, schools and other programs to help these people. And I pray God will raise up many more to go.
Wow, you so did not get that.
she isnt saying it gives him the right to do anything, instead she is suggesting that we stop saying these people commit their acts simply because they are 'evil'
That's not what she is saying. She's not blaming the victim. What she is saying is that there are *reasons* why terrorists have targeted the United States that go beyond the simplistic idea that "They hate our freedom". However, all we generally do is reduce terrorists – real human beings with complex motivations – into caricatures of dime store novel villains who simply do evil for the sake of doing evil. Having that view point doesn't allow us to understand why they are doing what they are doing. Without that understanding we are hamstrung in our approach to fighting them .
Ask any who fought in Iraq and ask them if understanding the tribal structure helped them in their job. You'll find that most of them will say without that understanding very little of it made any sense. With that understanding they were able to help get things back under control.
Very eloquently put. You don't have to approve of or sympathize with terrorist acts to recognize that the people who commit them are more than caricatures of evil. And, furthermore, you don't have to appreciate her aesthetics to appreciate her enterprise.
Total childish art, completely void of her family's heritage. These "subjects" killed people, lot's of innocent people in a war entirely started by them. What about the 3k victims of 9/11? This person is a traitor to her family and nation.
How is she a traitor? By saying that we need to understand the motivations of these terrorists in order to help fight them? Or by saying that a war on emotion is silly on the face of it? She's not excusing anyone. She's trying to make people think more deeply about these people that wish to do us harm. I'm sorry if she won't break it down into simple black and white terms for you but that isn't how the world works.
Why is she a traitor? I don't like the paintings, because of the way they look, but it is only logical to try and understand these people who hate us. Why do people think that understanding someone is the same as saying it is our fault. If we don't understand why these people are doing what they are doing, how can we truly stop this from happening in the future?
this is hilarious. Don't all you detractors see that you sound like a PR firm this woman hired? This was the kind of response they were hopeing for, that's why its on FOX to begin with. If you want her to see huge sales and widespread circulation if not approval then keep it up. Ssometimes the LIb bashing skateboard isn't the right ride to get where you want to go. I'm with you all, but come on, this foolishness is here to galvanize division and PROMOTE this woman. And you all are doing her job for her. I guarantee she's laughing at you folks all the way to the teacher's co-op savings and loan.
Sorry for the slip-up I meant CNN, This woman was on another site a few weeks ago. I'm not sure if it was F*X or another Murdoch paper/site. CNN is invested in Progressive Social/Political division, just like the rest of the MainStream.
Wow, stupid paintings with stupid focal points. What do you expect from a stupid artist riding the coat-tail of such a great man's legacy.
Did you read the article? Did she, anywhere in there, say that she was excusing what these people did? All she said is that we have to understand why they do what they do – that the are *reacting* to things that we do. That they do don't evil for the sake of evil but that there is a reason behind what they do. It's important to remember that just because there is a reason for something doesn't mean there is an excuse for it.
Bet she gets a government grant and a puff piece on NPR.
No her grant is from the "republican coke brothers".
"Sure Achmed wanted to blow up thousands of innocent Americans but hey, look at him snuggle with his pet cat Mr. Whiskers!!
He was a human being with human emotions and reasons behind what he wanted to do. Is it wrong to try understanding those reasons? Is it wrong to view him as a human being? We might not like him. He might hate him. We might need to kill him but he's a human being. Keeping that in mind and attempting to understand what drove him to take these actions are *important* if you want to stop it from happening again.
Norman Rockwell’s granddaughter paints terrorists...and she received a lot of attention for it because again NEPOTISM has reared it's constant ugly head.
I'll stick with Norman. Not terribly fond of her art, or her philosophies. Moral decay is a far bigger problem for society than global warming. It's like somebody walking through the desert blaming his thirst on the sun, and ignoring the fact that he didn't bring any water with him. We probably won't be able to do anything to alter climate change, but a moral individual who takes responsibility for his own actions and assists other individuals to do the same, can do more to mitigate the potential effects of climate change on our world.
AGREE!!
You should take your own advise and try it. See how much "clean water or air" you will get with your twisted morality.
Are you taking personal individual responsibility for your contribution to climate change? What are you, as an individual, doing to take positive action to mitigate the damage it will do? Live what you preach brother.
Art is in the eye of the beholder my friend.
That's a great way to look at it Gayle. You are very wise.
This "art" would have been applauded by you liberal elites during the Bush years. You would have talked about how wonderful dissent is and how anyone who expresses it should be cannonized. Now, during Obama's tenure this sort of thing is deemed pathetic and disgusting. I guess some of you are only proud of your country when it is being lead by someone you voted for.
oh look who's talking..sounds like you are talking about rightwing nut jobs. hahahaaha
Funny how willfully hypocritical people are, eh?
You do understand that the term 'liberals" refers to DEMOCRATS, RIGHT???
This is trash. The paintings are bad and I don't believe in what Daisy says is art. Her and anyone who buys her crap is whats wrong with America.
how so? care to elaborate or do you not have that capability?
Many didn't think much of Picasso's drawings, or many other renowned artists works either. It is unfortunate that an artists work takes decades, sometimes centuries, before it is truly appreciated.
“(Global warming) will ultimately destroy our human habitat,” she says. “At that point, throwing bombs at each other and arguing about birth control will be moot points.”
So can we murder anyone we want, then? I mean, if nothing matters because global warming is going to destroy the world, why not do what we want until it happens?
Actually she's right. In about 2 billion years when the sun becomes a red giant and swells to the size of Mars' orbit, bombs and birth control will be moot points.
They'll be moot at that point. They won't have been moot points when, well, they were relevant at other points in time.
Funny how logic works, eh?
I'm not artist and I'm certainly not one with an artistic personality, but this looks like poorly painted terrorists in wacky colors.
She's may have her grandfather's name – but certainly not his talent.
Actually, I think her paintings are quite compelling. She has a wonderful eye for color, and picks her subject matter well. Her composition is interesting, and the brushwork is deliberately primitivist, which allegorically points out the subjects' common origins. I find her work to be revealing, emotional, and almost lyrical in nature. She's not a realist, nor does she paint pictures of cute little kittens or dogs playing poker, so maybe that's why you don't "get her."
I really hope you are kidding. This kind of art reminds me of the square of cardboard on the floor of MOMA in LA. It may be art and she is better than most people who attempt to paint, but she is not even close to a person who dedicates themselves to art. I've traveled the world and seen better art being peddled along the side of the road. The only thing that gives her paintings value are her name and the subject matter. They would have been worth more about five years ago.
Her art is a poor representation of abstract. Art is about original thoughts translated to the medium - i.e. painting, sculpture, music, theater. Ms. Rockwell's work is an imitaiton and not original. Her composition is juvenile and the only allegorical aspect to this is the allegory as it relates to her family art "legacy". This work is immature and ego-centric. The description of her educational and "life-experience" explain it all. She does not know who she is or her purpose so self absorbed initation is an easy shortcut. I am guessing she has a monetary inheritance which allows her to be self-indulgent
This "art" has no depth, it is very obvious she merely painted from the photos, she has no real understanding of the people she paints. But shes done a wonderful job of spouting off and sounding just crazy enough to sell this tripe.
To each their own I guess, as long as I dont have to look at it. Honestly, I think she stole a couple of those from my floor after the cat ate a box of crayons and yacked it up.
Not making a point here OTHER than to state that her pictures are trash. Absolute trash.
I wonder what Norman Rockwell would say about this supposed "art"?
He would be proud of his grand daughter for thinking deeply about a subject that is of of the most important issues of our time. Much the same as you're probably proud of your children's art
OK, like it or not Hanoi Jane, I mean uh Daisy; the US has been the greatest force for good in human history. Ooops I know it is terribly inconvenient to the liberal elite mindset. I am not saying America has been Mother Theresa, but nor has it been Joe Stalin, Pol pot, Idi Amin, Kim il Jon or Fidel Castro. Yes I am sorry you have wasted your time and talent in a misguided attempt at scolding America for uhh, mmmm, 'meddling in the affairs of other countries'? If only America acted in its own self interest more not only would we be better off but so would the world. I am truly sorry that this doesn't neatly fit the insular liberal agenda (not).
"If only America acted in its own self interest more not only would we be better off but so would the world." Really BB? Seriously? You're an idiot it seems. America is in a shambles due to corporate greed and bad politics. Thank God you didn't... I'm not sayin', I'm just sayin'.
We have been a force for good but the greatest force ever? That's a tough sell. Anyway, I don't think she is trying to excuse what these people did. She's trying to humanize them. That's actually important because it helps us understand why they are doing what they do. Like it or not, terrorists are human beings and they aren't fighting us because they 'hate or freedom'. They are not evil just for the sake of being evil – that's the stuff of bad movies. If we can understand why they are engaged in terrorism, what motivates them, we can work to prevent more people from becoming terrorists. And no, Islam doesn't push people to terrorism – if it did there would be 1.5 billion terrorists in the world and we'd all be dead by now. There have been a lot of non-muslim terrorists – a lot of them. Understanding them helps us fight them. What she is doing is pushing us to see them as people and not as comic book villains. That's important because we aren't in a comic book.
With reference to Yvonne's comment, without giving a pro or con opinion, you have to be careful about assumptions.
Subjectivity is another. Illegal trial? Yvonne says? Soldiers lied under oath? Was Yvonne privy to their inner mosts truths, thoughts or whatever else was in their minds? Yes, freedom of speech Yvonne has. Her assumptions are out of line. Her displeasure with the trial is her freedom to express. To accuse, you have to have proof. Does yvonne have proof?
I don't believe, however, Daniel Pearl's widow would quite agree with Yvonne. They never did give him a trial, much less a jail term, 86 hours, 86 days or even 86 years. At least with a jail term, his widow and child could possibly visit.
As to Daisy Rockwell's art, opinions and thoughts, well that's her prerogative.
Little miss Rockwell is a fool. She might as well be painting mass murderers, rapists, and child abusers on death row in some prison in the U.S. I'm betting her grandfather is rolling over in his grave. If she hates the U.S. so, then she should board one of the many outbound planes never to return.
Another liberal piece of trash..spending an entire life benefiting from the US "quite a bit of time meddling in the affairs of other countries" and turning around and bashing and bighting the hands that feed her and her ilk...
I don't care if she's right or not. She should shut up and just paint.
That is for sure – maybe she has been hitting the hukka too much lately....
"The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary."
—Henry Louis Mencken (1880-1956)
Are you sure you aren't quoting BHOboma? Divide and conquer, the Democrate standard operating proceedure
BB says: "Are you sure you aren't quoting BHOboma? Divide and conquer, the Democrate standard operating proceedure." Duh, it's the GOP led by the Bush neo-cons and currently being perpetuated by the fools running for GOP candiate for POTUS that perpetuate fear and since there are 20% of americans locked into the faux News fear network and believe everything they spew is the reason for the two unfunded and unnecessary wars these people hoisted on the US. After 911, the GOP preyed on the fears of Americans and psyudo-patriotism as an excuse to ratched up the Defense Department and to basically remove all privacy (a right that most Americans used to hold dear) by creating the Patriot Act. It took Obama less than three years to stop the non-sense and bring our troops home and kill Bin Laden and most of his leaders. The US has used Communism and now terrorism to fabricate an excuse for war for over 60 years.
Controversy brings attention. Attention brings value. Value brings money. Artist want to get paid like everyone else.
to
No talent.
Reading the comments makes one realize that her "paintings" are beautiful. She sure did hit a "right wing nerve" without calling anyone names.
You have made a HUGE incorrrect assumption. I am married to one of the country's leading modern artist. I love, appreciate, and collect modern art. Though not even close to an expert or even nearly as knowlegeable as most re: modern art, i do love all things abstract and have collected since a little girl. Stop assuming thhose with informed critiques are (your quote) " right-wingers."
Check out this comment and my response:(both posted under a comment at 3:15 PM)
Uncle Dave
Actually, I think her paintings are quite compelling. She has a wonderful eye for color, and picks her subject matter well. Her composition is interesting, and the brushwork is deliberately primitivist, which allegorically points out the subjects' common origins. I find her work to be revealing, emotional, and almost lyrical in nature. She's not a realist, nor does she paint pictures of cute little kittens or dogs playing poker, so maybe that's why you don't "get her.
My response:
Her art is a poor representation of abstract. Art is about original thoughts translated to the medium – i.e. painting, sculpture, music, theater. Ms. Rockwell's work is an imitaiton and not original. Her composition is juvenile and the only allegorical aspect to this is the allegory as it relates to her family art "legacy". This work is immature and ego-centric. The description of her educational and "life-experience" explain it all. She does not know who she is or her purpose so self absorbed initation is an easy shortcut. I am guessing she has a monetary inheritance which allows her to be self-indulgent
Good thing she's from a famous family. Otherwise, she would never be able to make a living without any talent.
Making terrorists into a kinder/gentler personna (or as she calls it) “Dismantling the aura of fear” is wrong. It romanticizes them by attempting minimize the attroticities committed.
Should we be painting Hitler (who killed 11 million people) picking daisies or Pol Pot (who killed over 1.4 million people) painting clowns. What about the millions of people Mao or Stalin killed.
Please don't give her any ideas!
Have you ever heard of a thing called satire? SNL does it all the time. Even in the 40's they poked fun at Hitler – the 3 Stooges did too, lol. She's not asking anyone to forget what happened – just not to let your fear of the unkown panic you and make you lose your reasoning and logic of who these people are – people – bad people yes, but still people – not demons or beings with supernatural gifts.
However, her statement that learning about these people makes you feel sympathy for them. So, she feels sympathy for Jack the Ripper? He was just a typical human with a slightly odd yearning. Same for Jeffrey Dahmer: His tastes in cuisine were slightly off. Having "sympathy" for folks who routinely plan the death of children just to make a statement is just plain wrong. If they only targeted US military, I still wouldn't be happy, but at least we signed up realizing we might be in danger. Children playing in a school ground never had that choice. Evil is evil. Don't have sympathy for the devil.
Understanding someone doesn't lead to sympathy. It leads to understanding. Look, terrorists are human beings and, as such, are motivated by a lot of different things. Understanding their motivations helps us fight them. She's not saying that what they did is good or right but that there is a reason for it (a reason, not an excuse) and that we should look carefully at what those reasons are. The more we understand them the more we can turn from terrorism to start with.
Yeah, except comedy bits about Hitler were just that: comedy bits. They made fun of him, made him look like a buffoon or an incompetent twit. They didn't try to "soften" him or "dismantle" fear about him.
Over the last 100 years since the world broke up the Ottoman Empire and created mid-east coiuntries with arbritary borders, the foreign policy of the US and other countries has created problems in the area that now some Muslims are attempting revenge. Yes, they do not like us...but we are not blameless as a country for their problems. Splitting up ethnic groups into different countries was not the best way to draw the lines. The Kurds, for example, are located in three countries because their homeland, Kurdistan, was divided up.
Brilliant work! This book/theme is but a fraction of Daisy's subjects. Every work of hers has not only a story but a theory, a history, and even studies behind them. I see them as scholarly works that mainstream America may not be ready for. Personally I see the demonizing element in these works as much as the humanizing aspect. Seemingly innocent and 'normal' people can have such dark sides to them – is what I get out of them.
The disturbing part of this is not who she is but the fact that these people are who they are. Yes All maniacs are people but if this was portraits of Hitler would it get the same reaction. When you look at what they have done and tried to do they want to destroy the US on beliefs alone. The same as Hitler wanted with the Jewish People. Today if a person says anything Positive about what Hitler did in any aspect of his life they are beaten to a pulp. and yet here she can say she is showing the Human side of these monsters and nobody says anything? If she thinks they are so Human maybe she should just move to Kabul and start painting there.
I totally agree with you. Let her go live with the heathens and learn even more. Should she be a Christian you bet she'll never make it back here.
I agree also. Killing innocents even if your cause is just should never be marginalized
I guess this is the only way she can get attention since her work shows gross artistic limitation.
Her thinly veiled political agenda in her own words is not lost on anyone. I suggest she start painting the images of the 9/11 victims to develop a better understanding and maturity.
Maybe she will...but from the comments from the war hawks and uber-patriots on this blog, they would still crush her becasue then she would be making money off the victims...no matter what she does, it will be wrong to many. She is an artist. If you don't like it, then you don't have to support her work. Real art is driven by passion and heartache. this is why America is lacking in artistic talent. Everyone is blase and fat. No creativity, like what drove the music of the 60's and 70's. War and strife.
She makes sense. I wonder how Norman would have felt?
Look at his painting "The Problem We All Live With". It may help answer your question.
Wow. You're right, Chris. That's heavy.
Her technique reminds me of some of the groovy artists of the sixties. Almost tempura. How did she get them to pose for her?
Read the article again, Poppy. It says quite clearly she worked from photographs.
You arent Poppy...Im Poppy...you TWIT!
Stoned little flower.
Sympathy for the devil.
Next. Jeffrey Dahmer enjoying a dinner of liver and fava beans with a fine Chianti.
It makes us very uncomfortable to think of people, at home having dinner with their famiies, just hours before committing some horrible act of terrorism. It forces us to acknowledge that these acts come about because of crazy ideas that individuals have, not because of the individuals themselves being evil through and through. So our "war" would be better conducted against the ideas, rather than against the people. Uncomfortable. Yes.
There is at least one other sane idividal left out there.
Yes, global warming IS the most overwhelming problem we face.
OK Daisy....You DO know that Islam does not approve of human images RIGHT? Just remember the cartoonists & other artist they keep trying to kill ... hmm. We have quasi famous people trying to act like they have the secrets of the universe. It makes up for the fact that my children draw better than that.
You smell.
My nine year old can write better than you.
Such witty repartee from the young & foolish. Islam does have strictures on images. The Taliban used dynamite to destroy great art treasures like The Buddahs of Bamiyan that had stood from 507AD & 554AD in March of 2001. Thus robbing the world of the statues truly great artistic work. It is significant that they attacked the art world 8 months before they attacked The World Trade Center. They hate the free expression of art even more than they hate the US, think about it.
Those are so excellent. Taking these monsters and putting them in such a human, 'My Life is Average' situations. Oddly charming, and masterfully done. That's some art, folks!
Thats right, they are just like you and me. We really really really need to humanize these abominations on mankind.
They are just like the rest of us: messed up.
Its interesting how she justifies her subjects actions by saying that the US has given countries around the world plenty of reason to hates us and carry out terrorist attacks. Is that how modern society works? You dont like what another country has done so you try to kill as many of them as possible? Seriously? That excuse is getting old and worn out. How long can you continue to blame someone else for your problems?
Is this what modern society teaches? You can oust the first democratically elected leader in decades of a country in order to supplant your own, pro-west regime to get oil (which is EXACTLY what happened in Iran), and then have the BALLS to ignore the cause and effect of the entire situation?
These "terrorists" didn't just wake up angry at the US. We spent 50 years poking and prodding them. To ignore that is not only insanely stupid, but is the exact cause of the problem in the first place.
Ok fine, you are all right then. everything that ever happens to the US is completely justified because we are the scourge of the world. No other country sticks their noses into anyone else's buisness but us. No one else is too blame for the worlds problems. We should all understand that we need to be punished.....give me a break. I admit the US has done things to promote issue domestic and foreign but to say we have it coming is BS and you all know it. Why should every other country in the world get a pass? Why should Iran get a pass? Why should NK get a pass? These countries commit actions that justify a violent response by you standards yet we dont do it. Grow up.
what has NK done to disrupt other nations other than a couple threats no one takes seriously?
pretty sure you missed his point completely -_-
He said "the West", which i assume would include al of NATO.
Oversimplification doesn't help you win that argument.
You realize that alot of the world thinks thats what the US does whenever it sticks its nose in their business. Since WW2 the US has invaded other countries on faulty/flimsy intel, overthrown governments and basically been the worlds bully, yet somehow expects everyone to love them? not going to happen
Funny, the world doesnt call us bullies when we give them aid. Private AMerican citizens donate more charity around the world than most industrial nations. The Gov provides substantially more. I dont care if the world likes us, doesnt change the facts, doesnt change our stance. The world can take it or leave it....oh wait they cant leave it, they need the US.....again, funny how that works.
love it when people just spout stuff without any proof. private americans give more than insdustrialized nations? where are the numbers at?
no one needs the us. the world and nations existed before america, and will continue to exist after america collapses from expanding it's empire to wide
You are absolutely right, but most of us do not make efforts to find the truth. Most of us prefer to be fed poisonous versions of issues.
Just because we give them money doesn't mean we can buy their love. The world powers saw that after WWI they needed to evolve from the Colonialism (wich was a word that means the Monarchies of Europe ruling the people in undeveloped world and taking their resources and using the populace as slave labor). They invented the World Bank, and allowed self rule. They then basically poured money into infrastructure and drinking water and sewage improvements, in the developing world under the guise of helping them into the 20th century...it was really done as a way to take more of the resources and money faster and to make sure that the people were relatively healthy (for slave labor). The US has led the effort of the world bank and also has used communism and now terrorism to get the American people to be scared into thinking we need to go to war with these people or they will kill us all. It doesn't help that our last Administration lied to the world about WMD's and then while we are/were there, have committed crimes in violation of the Geneva Convention and committed atrocities...these are facts. I love America, but we are far from perfect and if we don't learn from our mistakes, we are doomed...It is better to learn about what is making these people hate us and try to diffuse the anger, than to lob bombs and drones at them. Just my take.
It's not ike they hate us because they don't like the way we treat them or what we say about them. We have actively gone to war against SE Asia, have overthrown Governments around the world, especially in South America and have basically forced our society on all of them. Thier anger goes way further than not liking what we say at the UN. We have contributed to the killing of millions of people around the world, some policy driven, some with arms, some with our own soldiers.
Could you show me where she feels that these acts of terrorism were justified? I don't think you can do that *BECAUSE SHE DOESN'T*. Look, understanding someone, acknowledging that there was a reason behind an act of evil, is not an excuse. It's understanding and with better understanding we can fight them more effectively. If we went into Iraq ans started working with the tribes right away we wouldn't have been there for nearly 10 years. We decided understanding wasn't important. That's a failure and bad war fighting.
These paintings came across as humorous to me. At the same time, the blues cast them with a tinge of madness.
Some in this life will take up a cause for whatever reason to justify killing people. Not me. I'm just not the type.
There's not enough time keeping up with just surviving in the day to day, I'd know I'd miss the terrorist meetings.
I think the paintings are quite brilliant in technique. The colors show real talent. The concept is foolishly misguided however. Rockwell is able to grant insight into the terrorist's lives but not Americans. There were 3000+ men and women who were working hard to carve out a decent life for themselves and their families who were needlessly massacred on September 11th by some of the subjects of her paintings. I don't think any of those 3000 people give a crap about Osama Bin Laden's favorite card game or the name of Mohammad Atta's cat. Remove your head from your rear-end lady.
Those 3000+ people dont give a crap about anything these days – art is for the living...
Ars longa, vita brevis, intelligentia humilis.
How many millions of people around the world have died as a result of American policies before 9-11. Believe me, I am still angry about 9-11, but well over 100,00 Iraqi lives have been lost since we invaded and hundreds of thousands more around the worlld in the past century because of the US overthrowing Governments and providing weapons to arm militias and the contras. Are American himan lives worth more than African or South American lives? I am just as mad at the neo-cons who fool the US into going to war for economic or religious reasons costing thousands of American lives and billions of dollars we could spend on education and things like infrastructure than illegal wars we are duped into believing are necessary. yes, 3000 people died in 9-11, but over 4,000 of our finest men in the military have dies since and this is Bush and America's fault, no one else.
I think it's interesting how some PhDs can have opinions that you think aren't that bright.
EVERYONE has opinions that others might think are not bright, so you're not really making a point here.
Plus lacking the talent of the past generation. My child's elementary school has better artists. This is just political pandering that Norman would have been ashamed of.
You can't speak for Norman Rockwell. And for that ... I am grateful.
He would hide his face in disgust.
Trust us, Norman would not glorify mass murderers.
Though I like her skills and use of colors, I wonder. Is this the only face of terrorism? Why aren't there any images of the KKK, who have caused more death and destruction on American soil against Americans, than any other organization in our history?
Sure Daisy, I bet they are just like us. Except they would not have allowed you to be schooled past the elementary level.
That's the point Really??? Why do they have to be like us? They don't want to be like us. They have thousands of years old cultures and they don't want our infulence or our lifestyle. What has our culture evolved into? jersey Shore and the Kardashians? the soddom and gomorrah of the world? They have seen it and don't want it.
The point is, pm, that the people of that extremist culture actually DO believe that a woman is worth only 1/2 of a man. That is an unconscionable devaluation of those people that cannot be accepted by educated enlightened societies. Please, think!
Daisy Rockwell's art is what you might call "effectively disturbing": there's no attempt to hide the nature of the subjects, but the energy and humanity of the images forces an extra layer of thought onto the viewer. Not only does the work humanize the violent and hostile subjects, but it also highlights the potential for other outwardly cute, mundane, or friendly-seeming folks to be equally violent and hostile, in other ways. Which is another way of saying, as Rockwell does here, that while we may be nice folks in our own lives, we share responsibility for policies that are problematic, often violent towards others.
Agreed. I'm glad somebody on this board can think on a little higher level.
I wish daisy knew the truth about the illegal kidnap, rendition and torture of Dr Affia Siddiqui by the US BEFORE he arrest, shooting and illegal detention in Afghanistan. The illegal trial which followed and the 86 year sentence imposed after a group of American soldiers lied under oath in court along with an Afghan guide who now has a green card for him and his family now living in New York.
She is a talented artist, for sure, and it would be good if she could use her work to expose the injustices caused by the War on Terror.
Yvonne, I have the book. Daisy's paintings are very non-judgmental. The Siddiqi painting especially.
Thanks for that Ed – I will indeed – and she does have a remarkable talent
You dont know that they lied or that her detention was illegal. Thats just what her lawyer said at her trial, in the US, convicted by a jury of her peers, not some military tribunal. Also, it was the Pakistani's who kidnapped Aaffia NOT the US. She was missing for 5 years and the US couldnt track her down because of the kidnapping. Your lies and misinformation are disgusting.
I physically went out to A'stan, filmed and interviewed Afghan police and filmed inside the police station. My footage proved she did not pick up a gun, let alone fire it at the soldiers. The prosecution could not come up with one piece of crime scene evidence eg. gunshot residue, bullets discharged from said weapon – but they did remove and 'lose' all bullets discharged from other guns.
You see I can only deal in facts. I went and saw for myself before the prosecution removed all evidence – too late, by that time the film had gone out and key witnesses interviewed.
Ridley Believe It Or Not. NOT.
Yvonne your take on "fact" is humerous, so funny I'm going to puke. Please take the time to educate yourself prior to posting this rubbish.
And someone calling themselves "Vomit' tells me to educate myself – have a look in the mirror and don't try and have an intellectual discussion with me until you are fully armed.
I agree with Vomit.
and why am I not surprised – every village has its idiot and you two should be twinned
I totally agree with Yvonne's your comments. The West has a legacy of dehumanizing those they perceive to be the enemy, so the killing, locking them up forever without due process, occupation and desecration of their land, holy places, books, etc., becomes acceptable. Our boys can pee or burn the Koran and get away with it, because after all, it's a book that promotes terrorism we are told, right? Never mind a billion plus Muslims hold the Koran it to be the word of God. Imagine if someone did that to the Bible or even worse, the US flag!
You do realize that Imams asked for the burning of ALL the Bibles sent to US troops because they will not allow them in Afghanistan. Muslims have said that the Koran was desecrated by having been written upon & it could be burned. Such burning is a purification. Purposeful desecration is the Taliban blowing up The Buddhas of Bamiyan with dynamite. It is important to notice that there is a large degree of hypocrisy being practiced by the Afghans.
No Muslim cleric would call for the burning of Bibles – the books contain – like the Qur'an – the name of Jesus and He is absolutely revered and respected by Muslims. Who ever fed you that BS must have an axe to grind or is a complete ignoramus. Such burning would not be purification at all, it's anathema. The blowing up of a few of the Banyam Bhuddas was cultural vandalism at its worst and inexcusable.
And yet such burning is exactly what muslim clerics in Saudi Arabia do with Christian bibles that are confiscated from visitors' luggage.
Aplogists for islam would be easier to believe if they weren't so eager to ignore what muslims themselves say and do.
"No Muslim cleric would call for the burning of Bibles – the books contain – like the Qur'an – the name of Jesus and He is absolutely revered and respected by Muslims." Are you insane sir? Do you read Arabic? Do you know who Sheikh Obaidallah an-Nuhary is? How about Muhammad Hassan? No? Then don't make unsupported claims.
I've read the Holy Qur'an and I suggest you do – the evidence and proof is all there, Jacob. Educate yourself please rather than expose your ignorance to all.
Your argument feel on deaf ears when you wrote that she is a talented artist. She is quite the opposite, talentless is probably much closer to an accurate critique.