VAN GOGH'S 'JACKIE O'
1995
Photographic Editions: Archival Ink on Cotton Rag
'The iconic portrait of Mrs. Kennedy getting off the plane on a campaign stop in Texas, is to me, filled with such hope; and yet, knowing what we all know now, one of profound sadness. Her famous pink Chanel suit has become a symbol of her husband's assassination and one of the lasting images of the 1960's. I felt Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' to be the perfect backdrop for this portrait. The original collage (sold), is made up of various Van Gogh paintings. After altering the color and size of the originals, I was able to paste them on top of the original portrait. For instance, the pink texture of the Chanel suit was originally a baby blue backdrop to one of Vincent's self portraits. My intention with Van Gog's 'Jackie O', was to make a portrait of the former first lady, that was both beautiful and haunting at the same time ... similar to her life's story.



