It comes as no surprise to hear that Donald Trump is threatening to sue over something so trivial as a painting. The GOP presidential hopeful is notorious for attempting to intimidate skeptics by throwing his weight around. The real estate magnate’s threats have been largely frivolous and perhaps this time might only serve to solidify his reputation as an utter clown.
Illma Gore’s painting, titled Make America Great Again, portrays Donald Trump entirely nude and in a rather unflattering light. The focal point of the piece, which has grabbed the world’s attention, is the extreme smallness of his penis.
Perhaps the painting references Trump’s infamous defense of his body parts during a nationally televised CNN Republican debate: “And, he referred to my hands — ‘if they’re small, something else must be small.’ I guarantee you there’s no problem. I guarantee.”
Sensitive to any perceived criticism of their red-faced leader, Trump supporters inundated Gore with death threats which prompted her to fly the painting to Great Britain. It is on display at the Maddox Gallery in London where it is predicted to sell for over a million dollars. It would seem some art aficionados in the UK believe the painting to be a fair likeness of the self-proclaimed billionaire.
“The reaction, especially in the UK, has been incredibly supportive. Everywhere apart from America has been great. Who knew it would be such a big deal? 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,” Gore, said.
Trump has threatened to pursue a lawsuit should Gore opt to sell the painting. The substance of such a threat is questionable based on Trump’s long history of bluffing. What we do know is that, in a world where Trump and his supporters have their way, artists like Illma Gore will not enjoy freedom of expression. That is a harrowing prospect.