Is the portrait of a coffin included in his work?
30
I listened to W being interviewed recently about his book and realized that compared to Trump, he seems INTELLIGENT! W spoke in complete sentences, and had actual thoughtful responses. So someone with what everyone considered an "average" intelligence looks like a GENIUS next to Trump. Wow.
26
Thanks so much for bringing attention to these unusual paintings! I am sure that many of the top Manhattan galleries would love to exhibit them. I'd suggest a group show for W at first. Maybe alongside paintings by John Wayne Gacy, George Zimmerman, Henry Lee Lucas, Alfred Gaynor and Charles Manson.
17
"If only they’d gotten to him sooner."
Or if only you, Mimi, had seen him sooner -- that is, without your relentlessly (and here, ironically) black-and-white prism of what is politically correct and incorrect.
It's easy to be surprised when you demonize human beings.
Or if only you, Mimi, had seen him sooner -- that is, without your relentlessly (and here, ironically) black-and-white prism of what is politically correct and incorrect.
It's easy to be surprised when you demonize human beings.
4
The fact that Bush's book is a NYT bestseller says a lot ... about America's decay.
22
My first reaction to Mr. Bush's work was that this was no different from Goya asking two peasants to fight to the death with clubs in order to render his dark, haunting "Fight with Cudgels" more realistically. Bush's subjects paid dearly for a senseless war. None of these people had to be maimed or traumatized, and none of their fellow soldiers had to die. Nor did the thousands of Iraqis and Afghanis. But, now, Bush has subjects.
That said, I think I judged the man too harshly. It would be worse if he weren't painting these people, and instead chose sunsets or pets. He is certainly facing the destruction he wrought, which is more than can be said for Dick Cheney and all the other draft-dodging neocons who wrecked so much of the world.
I do wish the money he raised was going somewhere other than the George W. Bush Presidential Center and its Military Service Initiative. How about giving it to the Veterans Administration? That would be a truly selfless thing to do. And how about painting some of the Iraqi refugees? Or some Syrian ones? Maybe that's next for W.
That said, I think I judged the man too harshly. It would be worse if he weren't painting these people, and instead chose sunsets or pets. He is certainly facing the destruction he wrought, which is more than can be said for Dick Cheney and all the other draft-dodging neocons who wrecked so much of the world.
I do wish the money he raised was going somewhere other than the George W. Bush Presidential Center and its Military Service Initiative. How about giving it to the Veterans Administration? That would be a truly selfless thing to do. And how about painting some of the Iraqi refugees? Or some Syrian ones? Maybe that's next for W.
16
First, let me say I was VERY anti-Bush. But, have we lost our empathy and the ability to remove the horrors in our lives from a simple act of appreciation for a man, who like the rest of us, grew up with what unknown demons, appears repentant (perhaps not really understanding what for), was ill-equipped for the manipulations of our political scene, and who -- I might remind all the critics here, WAS ELECTED TWICE (OK, so once was an appointment....but then "the people" re-elected him). I am not minimizing the horrors of the war, or the current world that has an explosion of terrorists fed by the "Shock and Awe" tactics that not only destroyed a city beyond repair, but killed hundreds of thousands of innocent non-military targets. War is bad. The whole Bush era was bad. He had led a pretty sheltered "rich" life and was unprepared to face the responsibilities of a presidency. Cheney and others manipulated him. WE haven't improved either...look at who we have in the White House now and who is pulling the strings.
So let the man paint, forgive him his sins. After all, I keep hearing the Christians that voted for Trump proclaiming we are a Christian nation. And to those critics of his art...beauty and talent are in the eye of the beholder. Remember that the next time you go to the polls.
So let the man paint, forgive him his sins. After all, I keep hearing the Christians that voted for Trump proclaiming we are a Christian nation. And to those critics of his art...beauty and talent are in the eye of the beholder. Remember that the next time you go to the polls.
21
"...the veterans in “Portraits of Courage.” Mr. Bush discovered what many who paint discover: that as he worked on their portraits, he came to understand his sitters, and their pain, as well as their love for one another."
Mimi Swartz is making a naive projection which in my estimation amounts to pure pornography.
That's like saying, the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer came to know the pain of his victims while dismembering them and devouring their organs.
Bush is a good painter. So what? He's most certainly not a great painter and any benefit that is gained by viewing his paintings is negated by uttering his name, which to any sentient being, can only evoke horror.
Mimi Swartz is making a naive projection which in my estimation amounts to pure pornography.
That's like saying, the infamous serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer came to know the pain of his victims while dismembering them and devouring their organs.
Bush is a good painter. So what? He's most certainly not a great painter and any benefit that is gained by viewing his paintings is negated by uttering his name, which to any sentient being, can only evoke horror.
13
Bush lied us into a war that has cost over 1,000,000 lives and bankrupted the country, but that's ok with the Times cause he's painting pictures?
What next? a photo spread with Dick Cheney and kittens?
What next? a photo spread with Dick Cheney and kittens?
17
Bush w. paints by choice. The men and women who were wounded mentally and physically in the Iraq war may do so as part of their therapy for healing, some only able to do so with their mouths. It's that art that I would find significant.
14
There is no redemption for "W" or for Cheney or Rumsfeld or Rice, who all strut around and are treated as celebrities by the media and dim wits. Nobody in the Bush Administration has taken a shred of accountability for the needless deaths of thousands of American soldiers, the maiming of tens of thousands of our warriors and the killing and injuring of hundreds and thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens, many woman and children. Bush lied us into a unnecessary war that turned Iraq into Iran's ally, and tore apart the Middle East, and led to the rise of ISIS. And now we are supposed to forgive him because he is expressing his creativity as a portrait painter. No thanks!
19
He should have stuck to painting. Better a painter of little talent, than a president of none.
10
With Adobe Photoshop, anybody can paint like that. I miss him chopping wood. That was really talent.
4
Liberals are such lame pushovers.
3
His style is derivative.
His motive is obscene.
His motive is obscene.
14
Next we'll be reading puff pieces about Trump's finger paintings. Good god.
20
Firstly, what on earth is "misunderestimating"? It's not a word. It's not an elephant playing in the wind. It's not proper writing. It's not proper editing. Perhaps it's a improper... or an nonmisproper... or a antidisnonimproper whose adherents follow a philosophy of antidisnomare called
antidisnonimproperism.
Moving on here...
I find these paintings quite accomplished and, indeed moving. I don't know why people assume he is trying to redeem himself. I don't know why people can't look at his paintings as just what they are. Paintings. Art. Do people not listen to Wagner of Chopin because they were anti-Semites? Have people lost sense of complexity? I was no fan of the man, but these are good works and I wish him well in his new found career.
The last line in the article is just a gratuitous mean spirited cheap shot that spoils the otherwise.
antidisnonimproperism.
Moving on here...
I find these paintings quite accomplished and, indeed moving. I don't know why people assume he is trying to redeem himself. I don't know why people can't look at his paintings as just what they are. Paintings. Art. Do people not listen to Wagner of Chopin because they were anti-Semites? Have people lost sense of complexity? I was no fan of the man, but these are good works and I wish him well in his new found career.
The last line in the article is just a gratuitous mean spirited cheap shot that spoils the otherwise.
6
I can't believe it. George Bush is starting to look good.
6
Would that his statesmanship were even a third as good as his painting, which, surprisingly, is good. Painters often confuse their own image with the one they are painting. That's why the painting of the woman looks like Bush himself. But the comments here by Martin and Matt say it all, so I won't bother to go on.
Selling a book of his paintings and donating proceeds to Vets I suppose beats wearing an orange jump suit and occupying a cell with Cheney.
7
"If only they’d gotten to him sooner." Cheap shot, Mimi.
If you had read Churchill's book you would realize that he took up painting when he served as the First Lord of the Admiralty in WWI and as a young leader had advocated an offensive action which failed miserably, the Gallipoli Campaign, with considerable loss of life. As a result, he was in the thick of knowledge about the War but was set aside with nothing of substance to do. He found challenge and satisfaction in painting and it, I think, in part allowed him to refocus on his life in service while in the depression brought on by his sentence to the political wilderness and ultimately ably serve as Prime Minister during Britain's darkest and finest hours.
There is nothing I know of to suggest that in either Churchill's or Bush's situations that earlier art would have changed a thing. What is true that the art now allows us to share a glimpse of their view of the world and perhaps understand each better.
I know Bush personally, his decisions clearly weighed on him then and now; as they would on any of us---you can see this in this book.
If you had read Churchill's book you would realize that he took up painting when he served as the First Lord of the Admiralty in WWI and as a young leader had advocated an offensive action which failed miserably, the Gallipoli Campaign, with considerable loss of life. As a result, he was in the thick of knowledge about the War but was set aside with nothing of substance to do. He found challenge and satisfaction in painting and it, I think, in part allowed him to refocus on his life in service while in the depression brought on by his sentence to the political wilderness and ultimately ably serve as Prime Minister during Britain's darkest and finest hours.
There is nothing I know of to suggest that in either Churchill's or Bush's situations that earlier art would have changed a thing. What is true that the art now allows us to share a glimpse of their view of the world and perhaps understand each better.
I know Bush personally, his decisions clearly weighed on him then and now; as they would on any of us---you can see this in this book.
2
Oh what lovely paintings! Hitler was similarly gifted.
If W had truly wanted to redeem himself he might have painted the body bags and coffins returned to the States under cover of darkness, or the millions of dead, dying, wounded and fleeing that his decision caused: The families destroyed by his War of Choice.
If W had truly wanted to redeem himself he might have painted the body bags and coffins returned to the States under cover of darkness, or the millions of dead, dying, wounded and fleeing that his decision caused: The families destroyed by his War of Choice.
16
As much as it pains me to praise George W Bush, I admit to finding these latest paintings charming and interesting. Kudos, Mr Bush.
3
It's so much easier to wash paint off one's hands, than blood.
29
Everything about this man disrespects this country right on down to the title of the book.
Americans in the US military are Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or Marines NOT warriors or war fighters or anything else.
The man for all his mundane normalcy is one of the worst War Criminals the world has ever known. He fits right near the top if not in the top spot on any list of such men throughout history.
His crimes are worse because he knew them to be crimes before he committed them and set about destroying the Constitution by creating an alternate mental reality (A GOP SOP specialty) in which bogus legal arguments were accepted outside courts of law as if they had passed muster in those courts. He altered the Soldiers Oath and the very language we speak to make his crimes seem something other than what they are.
Of course he had help as most of these things are beyond his limited minds ability to conceive but he wholeheartedly promoted and enacted them knowing full well he was committing crimes and undermining the very basis of our nations foundation behind a false veil of legality.
Americans in the US military are Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or Marines NOT warriors or war fighters or anything else.
The man for all his mundane normalcy is one of the worst War Criminals the world has ever known. He fits right near the top if not in the top spot on any list of such men throughout history.
His crimes are worse because he knew them to be crimes before he committed them and set about destroying the Constitution by creating an alternate mental reality (A GOP SOP specialty) in which bogus legal arguments were accepted outside courts of law as if they had passed muster in those courts. He altered the Soldiers Oath and the very language we speak to make his crimes seem something other than what they are.
Of course he had help as most of these things are beyond his limited minds ability to conceive but he wholeheartedly promoted and enacted them knowing full well he was committing crimes and undermining the very basis of our nations foundation behind a false veil of legality.
18
Whether good art or not, painting portraits of those who have endured hardship will not atone for the hundreds of thousands who died, were maimed or tortured, remain homeless, or are refugees....all those affected by the arrogance, indifference, hubris. and lack of intellectual curiosity foisted on the world by Bush 43. Churchill and Hitler both painted. What does that say of any of them?
15
Hmm---Got hundreds of thousands killed on the basis of a lie and allowed our nation to descend into the abyss of torture--but he really mixes the burnt umber with the yellow ochre well. Spare me.
15
No amount of money can compensate veterans and their families for what they lost thanks to this pathetic excuse for a man.
The son of a friend of mine is blind and paralyzed because of W., his parents care for him round the clock, they lost any semblance of a normal life years ago.
W. enabled the killing and maiming of tens of thousands of people and destroyed the lives of thousands more.
The son of a friend of mine is blind and paralyzed because of W., his parents care for him round the clock, they lost any semblance of a normal life years ago.
W. enabled the killing and maiming of tens of thousands of people and destroyed the lives of thousands more.
13
"(Try to picture Barack Obama do-si-do-ing at a square dance or, for that matter, clearing brush at a ranch.)"
Done; I'm sure he would perform either task with aplomb. Ms. Swartz has certainly forgotten the 44th president in a hurry, or perhaps she is simply distracted: it's hard work collaborating in the full-court press to rehabilitate W's reputation now that an actual madman is in the White House.
Done; I'm sure he would perform either task with aplomb. Ms. Swartz has certainly forgotten the 44th president in a hurry, or perhaps she is simply distracted: it's hard work collaborating in the full-court press to rehabilitate W's reputation now that an actual madman is in the White House.
10
Here is the bottom line...
1-Rode the US economy off the cliff in 2008. One can "forgive" him because democrats gleefully went along in the back seat.
2-Got us into pound for pound the biggest foreign policy blunder in our history, the Iraq 2 War. Again, most democrats went along with him.
3-What he can't be forgiven for is being the one US president to admit that he was a war criminal with torture. Even the democrats didn't go along with that.
1-Rode the US economy off the cliff in 2008. One can "forgive" him because democrats gleefully went along in the back seat.
2-Got us into pound for pound the biggest foreign policy blunder in our history, the Iraq 2 War. Again, most democrats went along with him.
3-What he can't be forgiven for is being the one US president to admit that he was a war criminal with torture. Even the democrats didn't go along with that.
9
"The bigger surprise is that Mr. Bush paints well." However, the picture of the world he left behind in the wake of his presidency is horrendous.
I'm aware people overstate the actual power of the US president. However, the today's Western world insecurity is accounted for by the pointless Iraq war.
He was a terribly weak president. His presidency was hijacked by Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. They pursued their own agenda with disastrous consequences for Europe and, especially, Eastern Europe.
Why I see that as the root cause of today's shambles in both US and Europe? Irak's second invasion let to the dissolution of all Iraq's civil and security administration. That power vacuum led to lawlessness.
That uncontrolled post-war transition has been exploited by former Iraq security personnel who resisted US actions by fueling the insurgency which ended up killing thousands of US soldiers. Once the insurgency was defeated to some extent form Iraq, it resurfaced in Syria as ISIS/ISIL on the backdrop of the fight against Assad.
Then the war in Syria led to the floods of migrants to Turkey and the occupation of a large part of Iraq by ISIS. Then, Russia, alongside Turkey and Greece, weaponized migration against Europe, thus destabilizing the established political setup by fueling radical political movements.
It's ironic that Russia wouldn't have dared to influence US elections in 2016 unless W helped with the unjustified Irak war which cost US $2.2 trillion.
I'm aware people overstate the actual power of the US president. However, the today's Western world insecurity is accounted for by the pointless Iraq war.
He was a terribly weak president. His presidency was hijacked by Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld. They pursued their own agenda with disastrous consequences for Europe and, especially, Eastern Europe.
Why I see that as the root cause of today's shambles in both US and Europe? Irak's second invasion let to the dissolution of all Iraq's civil and security administration. That power vacuum led to lawlessness.
That uncontrolled post-war transition has been exploited by former Iraq security personnel who resisted US actions by fueling the insurgency which ended up killing thousands of US soldiers. Once the insurgency was defeated to some extent form Iraq, it resurfaced in Syria as ISIS/ISIL on the backdrop of the fight against Assad.
Then the war in Syria led to the floods of migrants to Turkey and the occupation of a large part of Iraq by ISIS. Then, Russia, alongside Turkey and Greece, weaponized migration against Europe, thus destabilizing the established political setup by fueling radical political movements.
It's ironic that Russia wouldn't have dared to influence US elections in 2016 unless W helped with the unjustified Irak war which cost US $2.2 trillion.
6
If Bush wanted redemption for his malicious killing spree, he would admit his crimes and ask his victims and America for forgiveness and hope that there is no hell.
I hope he does and he should, but i'm not holding my breath.
Till then the second rate paintings are essentially worthless.
I hope he does and he should, but i'm not holding my breath.
Till then the second rate paintings are essentially worthless.
11
It always tugs at our sentimentality when brash conniving tyrants become older and mellower ... bless their hearts. No! They did what they did, and the consequences remain unchanged even as the instigators fade into dust.
19
While he may have been prompted and/or encouraged learning of Churchill's turn to painting in his final days, especially after leaving office, I resent the title of his collection: Portraits in Courage arrogantly borrows the title of JFK's Pulitzer-winning collection of essay, Profiles in Courage, citing the deeds of eight U.S. Senators who went against the tide. A la Lloyd Bentsen to Dan Quayle, 1988, "You're no Jack Kennedy" is apropos of Mr. Bush's plagiarizing. Bush's inclusion of a portrait of Vladimir Putin is egregious.
5
"If only they'd gotten to him sooner": this is an argument for arts education if ever I heard one. Too bad we're defunding education and the NEA.
7
Once again, The NY Times and Mimi Swartz apply the Manhattan east coast treatment to someone they consider a rube, in spite of his education and achievements. Rather than acknowledge the former president's depth of talents, we are treated to a "who'd of known" astonishment.
Dragging out the Iraq War, which was not favored by many Republicans or conservatives, is completely beside the point. Many commenters here suggest that if he only had been in touch with his artistic side, history would have been different. That would suggest that as President, he would shy away from having to make difficult decisions. If Obama is to be brought into the conversation, we don't have to go too far back to find Syria and it's civil war which he bungled badly.
Dragging out the Iraq War, which was not favored by many Republicans or conservatives, is completely beside the point. Many commenters here suggest that if he only had been in touch with his artistic side, history would have been different. That would suggest that as President, he would shy away from having to make difficult decisions. If Obama is to be brought into the conversation, we don't have to go too far back to find Syria and it's civil war which he bungled badly.
1
I find most of these comments to be crude, cynical, and lacking in any appreciation for the lives lost under other presidents' watch. And what of Obama's infamous "line in the sand" which continues to this day to cost hundreds of thousands of lives in Syria and throughout the Middle East? President Bush is a good artist and one can see that his paintings have improved over time. Please compare his admirable exit from the presidency to that of Bill Clinton, who is still just a crook with a mile-long string of adultery and still raking in millions from every source he can.
2
I find this article extremely distasteful. Prattling on about this (in my opinion) war criminal's rebirth as a sensitive soul, redeemed through art to resonate with the struggles of others. Some are women! Black, even! What a triumph of humanism!
Such piffle. Another example of the language of self-actualization taking the place of hard-headed political analysis. The man has been responsible for the wrongful deaths and injuries of numberless Iraqis and Americans, a history which he has yet to acknowledge and for which he has yet to apologize, much less to have been charged and tried.
When Bush makes a clear declaration that he and the gangsters with whom he surrounded himself ginned up a catastrophic war with fabricated evidence and offers to make whatever reparation one make for such a heinous act, I might be interested in his dabblings. Until then, please spare us the unsavory spectacle of mooning over his "redemption".
Such piffle. Another example of the language of self-actualization taking the place of hard-headed political analysis. The man has been responsible for the wrongful deaths and injuries of numberless Iraqis and Americans, a history which he has yet to acknowledge and for which he has yet to apologize, much less to have been charged and tried.
When Bush makes a clear declaration that he and the gangsters with whom he surrounded himself ginned up a catastrophic war with fabricated evidence and offers to make whatever reparation one make for such a heinous act, I might be interested in his dabblings. Until then, please spare us the unsavory spectacle of mooning over his "redemption".
8
I don't believe in the redemption of a president outside of public life. We should judge them only as the helmsman who steered the ship, through storm or calm waters. Are we now better off, or worse, by their leadership?
Once retired from office, they may well stay in public life, like Jimmy Carter, and add to the welfare of the country. Or, they might become better men through art or poetry. But the power is gone, and with it any real chance for redemption at the scale of the crime.
Once retired from office, they may well stay in public life, like Jimmy Carter, and add to the welfare of the country. Or, they might become better men through art or poetry. But the power is gone, and with it any real chance for redemption at the scale of the crime.
3
"dubya" continues to live in his imaginary world: he always has been totally "adrift" incapable of relating in any way shape or form to reality.
He never really was coherent, even before he became president, and is a shining example of "affluenza". His pseudo savant-like behavior has always existed, supports the premise that he never should have been president and was used by the right wing oligarchy, a tactic that continues today with DT.
That being said, his artwork does see to have some merit, I think, and if the royalties can help those he hurt that's a good thing, but I'm not sure he has the empathy to understand the connection. He thinks he's just "playing in a sandbox".
He never really was coherent, even before he became president, and is a shining example of "affluenza". His pseudo savant-like behavior has always existed, supports the premise that he never should have been president and was used by the right wing oligarchy, a tactic that continues today with DT.
That being said, his artwork does see to have some merit, I think, and if the royalties can help those he hurt that's a good thing, but I'm not sure he has the empathy to understand the connection. He thinks he's just "playing in a sandbox".
3
I am sure President Bush is a lovely person, but he can not paint his way to personal redemption. True character requires courage. Bushes (with the exception of Bush Sr.) do not put themselves in harm's way for anything or anyone, including their country. They are loyal only to those who pledge allegiance to the Bush family. Most of them have piggybacked on the family fortune and connections. Can you imagine how many young people with degrees in broadcasting/journalism would love Jenna's cushy job with NBC--the one she got just by being born? Their reliance on some of the most vicious political operatives ever seen in America laid the foundation for today's divisiveness. They could have embraced grace, righteousness, and character; instead, they embraced money, power, and the safety of having no one around them with a different opinion.
2
I strongly suggest people visit the Bush Presidential Library and Museum in Dallas. I say this though I am a Democrat from a very Democratic region.
Those who oppose President Trump and his lies and false promises must look for places where we can agree. The values and principles described and exemplified at the library are such an opportunity.
The library is a vigorous condemnation of Senator McConnell, Representative Ryan, Mr. Bannon and the other Trump supporters whose Machiavellianism, moral desolation, corruption, implied racism, etc. are genuinely deplorable.
My views about the Bush presidency were changed by the visit, though I won't waste time here on that.
Suffice it to say here that I still do not disagree with the commenters who write that Iraq was an avoidable and indescribable tragedy.
Those who oppose President Trump and his lies and false promises must look for places where we can agree. The values and principles described and exemplified at the library are such an opportunity.
The library is a vigorous condemnation of Senator McConnell, Representative Ryan, Mr. Bannon and the other Trump supporters whose Machiavellianism, moral desolation, corruption, implied racism, etc. are genuinely deplorable.
My views about the Bush presidency were changed by the visit, though I won't waste time here on that.
Suffice it to say here that I still do not disagree with the commenters who write that Iraq was an avoidable and indescribable tragedy.
4
First off, he's a terrible painter/artist. My daughter in junior high was already better than he ever will be. (She also holds advanced degrees in Art History and Museum mgmt.)
Second, GWB destabilzed a fragile part of the world in his mismanaged response to the 9-11 attacks. He and Vice Prez Cheney brought their macho swagger to bear and threw the world into chaos. Thousands of deaths, maimings and destruction can be laid at his feet. George will have many, many, many questions to answer at the Pearly Gates.
Third, in no way does this book and donation of its profits redeem those actions. In the continuing Bush family tradition of attempting to prove masculinity, he started wars and killed innocents. The fact Pres. Trump* is even more of an ignorant, emotionally unstable, intellectually challenged......person (a description used in the loosest possible definition) is no source of pride for GWB. They both should be ashamed.
Second, GWB destabilzed a fragile part of the world in his mismanaged response to the 9-11 attacks. He and Vice Prez Cheney brought their macho swagger to bear and threw the world into chaos. Thousands of deaths, maimings and destruction can be laid at his feet. George will have many, many, many questions to answer at the Pearly Gates.
Third, in no way does this book and donation of its profits redeem those actions. In the continuing Bush family tradition of attempting to prove masculinity, he started wars and killed innocents. The fact Pres. Trump* is even more of an ignorant, emotionally unstable, intellectually challenged......person (a description used in the loosest possible definition) is no source of pride for GWB. They both should be ashamed.
8
The greatest thing to happen to the George W. Bush legacy was Donald Trump. After the Trump election, most sensible people knew they would soon long for the days of the Obama presidency. Few realized that the Trump performance would reach such a level of distaste that would make one even long for W.
5
There is no question but that he is seeking some kind of redemption. I'm no psychologist but the bathtub painting exposed that.
I almost feel sorry for him because he was thrust into a life he never wanted.
~
I almost feel sorry for him because he was thrust into a life he never wanted.
~
1
George W. Bush owes the citizens soldiers he put into harm's way and exposed to life altering and mortal injuries because of his stupidity, his handlers greed for oil and military contracts or Bush's desire to get even with Saddam over threats to his father.
Born to wealth that he never earned Bush can hire art teachers and spend his days painting unlike the victims of his presidency. It is just so arrogantly Bushie to donate proceeds of his book of paintings of the people who suffered from his decisions---so snobbish. If Bush cared at a personal level for the victims of his presidency he would apologize to his victims and get out his checkbook and put some his personal money to their benefit. But that would not be as good of a story.
Born to wealth that he never earned Bush can hire art teachers and spend his days painting unlike the victims of his presidency. It is just so arrogantly Bushie to donate proceeds of his book of paintings of the people who suffered from his decisions---so snobbish. If Bush cared at a personal level for the victims of his presidency he would apologize to his victims and get out his checkbook and put some his personal money to their benefit. But that would not be as good of a story.
4
One of my favorite artist quotes is this:
Every piece of art that is made takes a piece of evil out of the world.
W has a lot of evil to take out of the world of his own making.
But sadly for him, there is so little time and not enough paint.
Every piece of art that is made takes a piece of evil out of the world.
W has a lot of evil to take out of the world of his own making.
But sadly for him, there is so little time and not enough paint.
5
I was pleasantly surprised and, more than a bit unnerved by Mr. Bush's skills...in an area which I'd never expected him of having. I guess this has taught me something about the range and diversity inherent in all of us. I had never had much use for him when he was President. Never thought much of him either. I was wrong to reduce him to his political instincts and actions. He's much more than that, and I'm now wishing there was some way I could know him better, and form a broader sense of who he is.
3
These paintings seem to have something to them, an empathy I wouldn't have associated with the former president. I wish him well in his efforts. Nevertheless, they do not atone for his wars, and his nearly destroying the US economy. He may not be that person any more, but some admission of culpability and some genuine remorse would go a long way in this liberal's mind.
4
I have no reason to believe President George W. Bush wasn't a good man. So, it's not a surprise to me that he remains a good man, and without the burden of leadership, is able to let that show more.
He made mistakes, and the mistakes were costly. I can write that without impugning his motives. I write that without a firm belief that anyone could have done better. He didn't have the benefit of the hindsight we have now, and we don't have all the information he had then.
I wish we hadn't gone to war. But who am I to say -- without what we know now -- that any of us wouldn't have made the same decision that he did? He wasn't alone. The use of force was approved by 297 Representatives and 77 Senators. This is our government. This is how it works. And none of them had the benefit of hindsight, either.
I'm glad I don't bear the burden of leadership that any world leader has. And I'm also grateful that I don't have the smug certainty of others.
He made mistakes, and the mistakes were costly. I can write that without impugning his motives. I write that without a firm belief that anyone could have done better. He didn't have the benefit of the hindsight we have now, and we don't have all the information he had then.
I wish we hadn't gone to war. But who am I to say -- without what we know now -- that any of us wouldn't have made the same decision that he did? He wasn't alone. The use of force was approved by 297 Representatives and 77 Senators. This is our government. This is how it works. And none of them had the benefit of hindsight, either.
I'm glad I don't bear the burden of leadership that any world leader has. And I'm also grateful that I don't have the smug certainty of others.
5
This could have been a nice writeup but its mean-spirited last line leaves a bitter taste. I don't agree with most of his politics but, unlike Donald Trump, George Bush is a fundamentally good person with a healthy personality who tried to make decisions for the common good. And his post-presidential artistic work shows talent and even menschlichkeit. Credit where credit is due.
2
As Bill Maher noted, he sent them into a lie of a war, many died and many were maimed physically and psychologically, and now he's painting their portraits to achieve some form of redemption? Please. His art does not move me at all, and I'm sure it doesn't move many of those people who lost loved ones. He lied to the America, and many people died for his lies, both U.S. soldiers and innocent civilians.
6
I'm a firm believer in redemption. What I find inexcusable is the reality that the wealthiest, most powerful nation on the planet relies on nonprofits to help our military and their families recover from our wars of choice. As Bernie Sanders said, if you can't afford to take care of our warriors, don't go to war.
3
Perhaps upon learning the value of introspection and nuance through his new artistic practice, former Preseident Bush could use his bully pulpit to convice Congress to not only save the NEA but expand it.
What a wonderful vindication of the arts role in our society and culture. I see this man as someone caught in am agenda that was never of his own making. He can identify with these veterans. He connects to his humanity and it is a wonderful thing to see.
1
Bush can never, ever redeem himself. He was the ultimate cause of a huge number of completely, utterly unjustified deaths. The only way history will ever forgive him and Cheney is if it is built from a corpus of abject lies. The only word that describes Bush II's participation in world events is "villain." Doesn't matter what he paints. He's still that guy. Cheney too. Evil people, doing evil things.
6
I won't have an ounce of respect for this man until he flies into Baghdad without Secret Service protection and walks unarmed around the streets of that broken, scarred city which Bush helped turn into a blood-soaked horror show of suicide bombings and sectarian killings. He should personally apologize to all Baghdadis and let them throw as many shoes at him as they wish.
Remember this, almost exactly 14 years after George W. Bush ordered the virtually unilateral invasion of Iraq under false pretenses in order to satiate his weird Oedipus Complex: In the weeks leading up to having the U.S. armed forces invade Iraq--a Shi'ite Muslim majority country then ruled by a Sunni Muslim dictator--Mr. Bush was apparently unable to understand or explain the differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims.
I'll give George W. Bush credit for a couple of things: He completely and utterly demolished the notion that academic pedigree means anything, and made it clear how wrong it was and still is for top universities to give preferential treatment to legacy applicants and other children of privilege, aka the kind of affirmative action that sworn opponents of affirmative action (who are obsessed with the race-based variety) never seem to think or care about.
If still living, the admissions officers at Yale who accepted Bush's college application in 1964 and the people at Harvard who accepted his Business School application in 1973 should publicly apologize as well.
Remember this, almost exactly 14 years after George W. Bush ordered the virtually unilateral invasion of Iraq under false pretenses in order to satiate his weird Oedipus Complex: In the weeks leading up to having the U.S. armed forces invade Iraq--a Shi'ite Muslim majority country then ruled by a Sunni Muslim dictator--Mr. Bush was apparently unable to understand or explain the differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims.
I'll give George W. Bush credit for a couple of things: He completely and utterly demolished the notion that academic pedigree means anything, and made it clear how wrong it was and still is for top universities to give preferential treatment to legacy applicants and other children of privilege, aka the kind of affirmative action that sworn opponents of affirmative action (who are obsessed with the race-based variety) never seem to think or care about.
If still living, the admissions officers at Yale who accepted Bush's college application in 1964 and the people at Harvard who accepted his Business School application in 1973 should publicly apologize as well.
23
People throughout the centuries have tried to expiate their wrongdoings—whipping themselves bloody, fasting, and sacrificing living creatures, both animal and human—remember scapegoats? whipping boys? Is W trying to expiate his sins with his series of paintings? None of us know, of course. But he is offering something personal and beautiful to the veterans and their families that only he can give.
1
Its clearly propaganda to ward off the jailer until he dies. You watch as soon as the drumbeat for his arrest gets loud enough we'll hear reports he has dementia or some other illness that might elicit sympathy and undeserved mercy.
1
If this is some sort of arts therapy, then I'm glad for all of us.
If he can wake up, there is an opportunity for him to take a role in leading the GOP out of its mesmerized state of groupthink for the sake of the country before it's too late. And today of all days, what an opportunity to learn from the example set by Martin McGuinness.
If he can wake up, there is an opportunity for him to take a role in leading the GOP out of its mesmerized state of groupthink for the sake of the country before it's too late. And today of all days, what an opportunity to learn from the example set by Martin McGuinness.
5
I'm glad Mimi has started liking Bush a whole lot more and appreciating his newly found artistic vision and talent. I still remember his bumbling inept presidency.
I'm sure Obama would square dance quite nicely. The brush clearing was a propaganda exercise. Bush hasn't been back to the ranch or cleared one square yard of brush since his Preznitzy ended.
I'm sure Obama would square dance quite nicely. The brush clearing was a propaganda exercise. Bush hasn't been back to the ranch or cleared one square yard of brush since his Preznitzy ended.
16
Good for President Bush for using his post-presidency to explore his creative side! The paintings are well done, and it sounds as if they are helping the former President to better relate to the feelings and experiences of those who fought in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
3
I'm assuming it wasnt any of your kids into an unnecessary war.
5
John Nixon, the CIA fellow who interrogated Saddam Hussein reports that when we invaded Iraq, Saddam wasn't running the country any more, he was writing novels.
Now if only these two (Bush and Saddam) had skipped the politics and gone right to the painting and fiction, the world might've been a much better place. Just sayin...
Now if only these two (Bush and Saddam) had skipped the politics and gone right to the painting and fiction, the world might've been a much better place. Just sayin...
9
You think W had more than an actors part in this fiasco?
He is fully responsible as the president for what he let himself be guided into doing, but the reality is he was a tool for those who are benefiting from the chaos he was used to unleash.
I don't think many yet see the truth of who has started WWIII, but we will in the next 20 years or so. Ask yourself who benefits when the US looks bad?
He is fully responsible as the president for what he let himself be guided into doing, but the reality is he was a tool for those who are benefiting from the chaos he was used to unleash.
I don't think many yet see the truth of who has started WWIII, but we will in the next 20 years or so. Ask yourself who benefits when the US looks bad?
1
If modern western civilization collapses it will be because G.W. Bush started the dominoes falling.
He ushered in the age of Terrorism by refusing to take it seriously the first 8 months in office despite more than 4 major warnings including from his predicesor.
He lied the nation into an unnecessary $3 trillion war that lead to the emergence of Isis. Every beheading, every rape that Isis commits, it would seem to me that Bush is partially culpable for that. The Iraq war contributed to Syria's destabilization, including injecting Isis into it, which lead to millions of refugees flooding into Western Europe.
The combined affect of Bush policies shifted over $12 trillion from the 99% to the 1% over the course of a decade, $5 trillion from tax cuts alone. The Bushies covered their tracks with cheap money from China. When the credit ran out demand imploded bringing the financial sector down with it leading to the great recession & the bankruptcy of the corner stone of American manufacturing, the auto industry. Amongst others, the Great Recession cause the economies of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece & Ireland to implode, Spain still has unemployment over 20% and youth unemployment over 40% & all this while Europe is trying to absorb millions of Bush's muslim migrants.
Millions have been devestated, hundreds of thousands died. We may not know if we, collectively, have survived Bush for another 75 years. I'm waiting for an apology from the Supreme Court that installed him.
He ushered in the age of Terrorism by refusing to take it seriously the first 8 months in office despite more than 4 major warnings including from his predicesor.
He lied the nation into an unnecessary $3 trillion war that lead to the emergence of Isis. Every beheading, every rape that Isis commits, it would seem to me that Bush is partially culpable for that. The Iraq war contributed to Syria's destabilization, including injecting Isis into it, which lead to millions of refugees flooding into Western Europe.
The combined affect of Bush policies shifted over $12 trillion from the 99% to the 1% over the course of a decade, $5 trillion from tax cuts alone. The Bushies covered their tracks with cheap money from China. When the credit ran out demand imploded bringing the financial sector down with it leading to the great recession & the bankruptcy of the corner stone of American manufacturing, the auto industry. Amongst others, the Great Recession cause the economies of Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece & Ireland to implode, Spain still has unemployment over 20% and youth unemployment over 40% & all this while Europe is trying to absorb millions of Bush's muslim migrants.
Millions have been devestated, hundreds of thousands died. We may not know if we, collectively, have survived Bush for another 75 years. I'm waiting for an apology from the Supreme Court that installed him.
24
No I think that would be Ronald Reagan.
2
The day before the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, former President Bill Clinton told a group of businessmen in Australia that he "could have killed" the man behind those attacks, Osama bin Laden, in 1998, but he decided against launching a strike out of concern for civilian casualties.
But Clinton failed to do his job -- didn't he. And tens of thousands of American civilians and soldiers died or were terribly injured as a result of his failure to act as Commander in Chief.
You wanna assign blame where it belongs, Tim? History will.
But Clinton failed to do his job -- didn't he. And tens of thousands of American civilians and soldiers died or were terribly injured as a result of his failure to act as Commander in Chief.
You wanna assign blame where it belongs, Tim? History will.
No. One who waged a war with false pretense (causing thousands of deaths and injuries, immense sufferings, families broken, hatred of generations, and the destabilization of the entire Middle East, to the extent the entire world) is beyond redemption.
Also, if there is an appropriate way for redemption, it is not sitting comfortably at one's home exercising one's artistic yearning, but putting in the jail and sentencing for life.
Also, if there is an appropriate way for redemption, it is not sitting comfortably at one's home exercising one's artistic yearning, but putting in the jail and sentencing for life.
18
How unfortunate that GW didn't begin his art career before he entered politics. It might have saved the millions who have died since and we would have avoided the corruption of his administration and the tanking of the economy.
I understand he is creating a self portrait entitled "Canvas in Black."
I understand he is creating a self portrait entitled "Canvas in Black."
13
Irrespective of his politics, George W. Bush is a distant cousin of mine, related through the DeMuth family of Moravia (present day Czech Republic). Charles DeMuth (1883-1935), one of America's great early twentieth century modernist and impressionist painters, is Bush's ancestor, so there is some precedent for artistic talent in his family.
Normally, the liberal left calls everyone so many names that they actually believe what they are yelling?
Did you think a stupid, no-talent could actually get elected president? Thanks for underestimating everyone.
Did you think a stupid, no-talent could actually get elected president? Thanks for underestimating everyone.
2
I recall reading a story several years ago about how Bush and Cheney had a contest on who could read the most books. They kept count. My thought was "how absolutely childish to need something like that as a motivation to read".
4
no redemption without sincere contrition
13
This article makes me *sick*. Bush and his crony Cheney sent my brother, a USMC Sergeant, to the front lines of combat in Iraq. During a debriefing and just prior to his return to the US, a marine commandant told my brother and his group not to act like the "crybabies" (exact word) from Vietnam when dealing with what they witnessed and were apart of during war. Instead, they were to "go to a bar with friends and tie one on." My brother committed suicide less than a year later. Cheney profited greatly from that war due to his ties to Halliburton. Bush should be painting from a jail cell.
21
I am so sorry for you. This article also made me feel sick, and I suffered no direct loss from the horror he unleashed. He should get into the fatigues he avoided since Vietnam and go to Baghdad and devote his life to alleviating the misery he has caused to untold numbers of people.
3
Mr. Bush, as a human being, I wish I could feel sorry for you, show you some pity, but I can't. What you did was avoidable. You and Rumsfeld and Cheney and all the rest of your enablers had to show the world what big men you were. You knew best. You were the "decider". Your arrogance and hubris got hundreds of thousands maimed and killed. You must live with that every day of your life. No pity though. No pity.
14
Nail on the head. The problem with alpha males is wanting to be one.
2
Surprisingly good paintings. Good for him. And T is making me nostalgic for Bush the President, who may have screwed things up, but did not make me ashamed of our government morning, noon and night. Though lots of terrible things happened, by comparion those seem like the good old days.
4
Without reading this, I'm going to give this a "No". He is responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths. This doesn't even deserve a read.
9
With age, Mr. Bush, is growing, as it should be, give him a break.
8
If he can bring back the thousands of people on both sides that he had killed, then I'll give him a break.
My god...hat has happened to the critical faculties of American citizens out there?
My god...hat has happened to the critical faculties of American citizens out there?
6
While Bush-43 does not have the resume of his Dad, Bush-41, he has always been a decent man. Irrespective of his historical place (as an accidental POTUS) he has always been a man of warmth; truly a man whom you can share a beer and a good story.
Much like PM Churchill, painting for Mr. Bush is a very relaxing way to stimulate "the right brain." While few would consider there to be much heft in Mr. Bush's "left brain", "Daddy's intervention" would have not kept him enrolled during his student days at Yale and Harvard; had his grades warranted dismissal.
Much like PM Churchill, painting for Mr. Bush is a very relaxing way to stimulate "the right brain." While few would consider there to be much heft in Mr. Bush's "left brain", "Daddy's intervention" would have not kept him enrolled during his student days at Yale and Harvard; had his grades warranted dismissal.
4
To my surprise, I love his beautiful portraits shown here. NOT to my surprise, I still loathe that terrible man.
3
I hated Bush and his presidency as much as any of the people commenting here, but I love art, and I believe in its power to affect a person's character, for good or for bad. I think it made Picasso vain, greedy, and cruel. But to my astonishment, I see in Bush's paintings a true empathy, as well as skill. Those things comprise talent, and it seems mean-spirited to decry his route to salvation. An overstatement? Not if you believe in art, in portraiture, in devotion to a craft, and in the power of opening up one's sensibility to suffering.
4
Yes, I agree with many: these portraits are mediocre, at best. (Churchill's pre- and post-war paintings were mediocrities, too.) In fact, another writer was insightful about them being self-portraits. Leslie Zimmerman is---rather astonishingly--- Bush in drag, with long red hair, wearing that same expression of puzzlement we so often saw.
9
Very amusing. The former President does some naive, unskilled, color-by-number, mediocre, paint-from-the-tube "art" and you conclude that he is not naive, unskilled and mediocre but instead has unfathomed depths of artistic genius?
12
John Marc, the author does not conclude that President Bush has "unfathomed depths of artistic genius" or anything like that. She simply cites actual experts (like the senior art critic for "New York Magazine" and the art critic for the "New Yorker") who agree that President Bush makes nice paintings. It's ok if you don't like President Bush or his artwork (and it's clear from your post that you don't like either) -- but that's no basis to mischaracterize the author's words.
1
From the comments many are still mad at W. I too am still upset. But as a soldier i like the art and am impressed.
The art speaks volumes still to many more with ordinary life experiences that see themselves pictured . That in itself is quite an accomplishment for a new artist. I say keep painting W. Your art will speak historical volumes for generations. The Art Critiques and The Political Critics will never agree but your art will out live them all!
The art speaks volumes still to many more with ordinary life experiences that see themselves pictured . That in itself is quite an accomplishment for a new artist. I say keep painting W. Your art will speak historical volumes for generations. The Art Critiques and The Political Critics will never agree but your art will out live them all!
5
His paintings are good. I find this unsettling. People's complexities are almost more the cause for nightmares than the damage they cause. Destroyer of nations, painter of moving portraits. How can this be?
4
Perhaps you don't know President Bush as well as you think you do.
I'd give him credit if
1. he can convince the current president to take up painting and give up tweeting
2. he offers a sincere apology for the destruction his decisions caused.
1. he can convince the current president to take up painting and give up tweeting
2. he offers a sincere apology for the destruction his decisions caused.
9
W is one of the greatest President of America. He overthrew two brutal regimes and brought democratic rules to those countries and did much more. It cost America less than 4000 lives compared to 250,000 during civil war, 500,000 during WW II, 50,000 in Vietnam. Compared to the death of 100,000 in Iraq, close to 500,000 got killed in Syria due to the inaction of another president of America. Go and figure it out who is great.
4
Alex, That's a peculiar scorecard you created. The history is still unfolding, but I guess if you're a mission accomplished type of guy, you can ignore ISIS, terrorism, and all the sectarian fighting in that region.
7
Were any of your children any of the soldiers who lost their lives?
5
These numbers are off (as is your peculiar reasoning, in my opinion). For instance, the Civil War estimate of deaths is now at more than 600,000.
1
Another reminder that people are much more complicated than they appear to be.
7
That's nice. And will he be redeeming any of the hundred's of thousands of people who died because of him?
30
Recently there were job postings at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington State, for art therapists. Perhaps "W" should apply to help the military returning from the endless and senseless wars he supported.
11
What do you call them when Obama supported the same wars?
5
Years go I saw a man on his knees making it up the hillside on a country road in Puerto Rico. I asked my wife who grew up in the area to explain what I saw. She told me that many years ago he had killed do his son in an argument and was acquitted. He regularly made the trip up the hillside on bloodied knees seeking forgiveness from God. George W. Bush and Dick Cheney lack the character possessed by this poor Puerto Rican farmer or they would both be making their way up some desolate hillside on their knees for the rest of their lives.
21
It's amazing how many NY Times commenters begrudge Bush-43's post-presidential portraits as middling, but wanted to beatify a truly failed presidency - Carter's - for his helping to build a few habitations. Holding onto their anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.
7
Which unnecessary war did Carter start again? I don't remember one. How many people died because of Carter's leadership? Remind me please, I'm having trouble remembering.
10
I picked up a copy at the bookstore because I was curious like many other people to see what this is all about. Is there only one portrait of a woman? Anyway, W the painter, who could have known. Not bad for the most part.
1
I bought the book when I first heard about it. Even without reading the stories that are included, I feel connected to the individuals in the portraits. I see the President's technique and wonder about it. I wonder how blues and purples can be used for human skin and hair color and still work. I see nuanced additions of color that somehow show anxiety or depression. I'm not a huge art follower, if that isn't obvious, but I think there is something Matisse-like in his technique and the colors he chooses. I think his skill as a painter will continue to grow. I'm looking forward to what he produces in the future.
27
I wouldn't confuse W's and Matisse's techniques any more than to claim producing a book to fund wounded vets' organizations is an act of redemption.
2
Meanwhile, the world has to live with "what he produce[d]" in the past.
1
Who cares about his paintings? The only thing relevant about Bush is that he made a mess of the world for millions of people and that is the only context in which his name should be mentioned.
18
I taught college-level art classes for years and I find these portraits pretty good. But it also strikes me as self-indulgent and self-serving that a former president of the US would spend his time this way. Why is it that only Democratic presidents continue public service after they've left office?
12
Good heavens. Be grateful he is out of politics!
2
You comment, "But it also strikes me as self-indulgent and self-serving that a former president to the US would spend his time this way."
The article observes, "The proceeds from sales will go to a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and their families recover and rebuild from America’s post-Sept. 11 wars — otherwise known as Mr. Bush’s disastrous venture in the Middle East."
We all have different ways of atoning and contributing. President Bush has chosen this path, and it works for me.
The article observes, "The proceeds from sales will go to a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and their families recover and rebuild from America’s post-Sept. 11 wars — otherwise known as Mr. Bush’s disastrous venture in the Middle East."
We all have different ways of atoning and contributing. President Bush has chosen this path, and it works for me.
3
I can't help being moved by the man whom I always perceived to be a rigid ideologue who meant well within his own narrow confines of belief. Here he is with a brand new palette and nothing to limit his sphere of influence. As an avowed born-again Christian, he is perhaps having a third rebirth in his life. Good-o for him!
4
New York Times, please stop and desist your puerile, failing attempts to normalize this war criminal. Then again, given your complicity in "W's" illegal invasion of a sovereign country, I can certainly understand your institutional desire to do so.
20
W, you will never be forgiven for the carnage you authorized through lies and dissembling to America, just to please your Poppy. So many innocent people maimed and torn to shreds, so many families mourn forever the loss of their loved ones. You gave the world catastrophes, each set in motion like a conflagration of fiery tongues scorching the gut as you breathe it in, now raging fires that can never be doused to smudged, smoky ashes. Your legacy of lies rages on.
So, paint on, W. Paint on by numbers if you have to, W. Paint on to retrieve your honor and to dissipate the ghosts and to drown out the screams in your head in the black of night. Do what you have to, to assuage your guilt, to whitewash the untold agonies you caused. Paint, but don't ask for redemption from us, from our families, from our nation, from the innocent dead. You must live with the horrors you've caused, W. if you can. Our Veterans who survived your wars, W, some live in constant trauma, some on the streets, and others warehoused in torn pieces in VA hospitals. Paint away, W. Keep painting. Do what you can to stop the gnawing of those bad dreams and howling cries that eat at you every night. When you dream, dream of them, not of redemption for yourself.
So, paint on, W. Paint on by numbers if you have to, W. Paint on to retrieve your honor and to dissipate the ghosts and to drown out the screams in your head in the black of night. Do what you have to, to assuage your guilt, to whitewash the untold agonies you caused. Paint, but don't ask for redemption from us, from our families, from our nation, from the innocent dead. You must live with the horrors you've caused, W. if you can. Our Veterans who survived your wars, W, some live in constant trauma, some on the streets, and others warehoused in torn pieces in VA hospitals. Paint away, W. Keep painting. Do what you can to stop the gnawing of those bad dreams and howling cries that eat at you every night. When you dream, dream of them, not of redemption for yourself.
19
Wow! reading comments on this article from many NYT readers illustrates how out of touch many of those readers are with the over whelming majority of Americans. This is a simple tale of a former president's surprisingly good paintings. Not an attempt to justify, or even moderate, that president's policies. Everything is now political. No wonder nothing can get done in Washington.
12
One hopes for integrity in our leaders. There is a gaping disconnect between the compassionate artist and the misguided ruler. Perhaps some more years behind the easel with reconcile them. I'm waiting for confession and repentance.
1
"Out of touch" is a poor choice of words. "Better informed" and all the frustration that entails, when seeing people too easily forgive someone who is responsible for the deaths of many thousands, is more accurate.
5
GWB - Good job. The artwork is truly commendable.
Now go use your influence to prevent the gutting of NPR, PBS and the National Endowment for the Arts by the very people that your party and leadership helped create. That if anything is but a small redemption for the amount of global harm and agony your shortsighted policies has brought to bear upon all of us.
Now go use your influence to prevent the gutting of NPR, PBS and the National Endowment for the Arts by the very people that your party and leadership helped create. That if anything is but a small redemption for the amount of global harm and agony your shortsighted policies has brought to bear upon all of us.
27
Also... Bush needs to speak out against the ever increasing marginalization of Muslims, even native born citizens, who are harassed and detained at airports with astonishing frequency.
The country needs his voice! There is some good he can do!
The country needs his voice! There is some good he can do!
1
Not a good President, but he definitely has 'chops' as a painter. Love his work even the early ones. He showed courage to paint himself in less than flattering settings.
4
Good paintings from a man directly responsible for 100,000+ human deaths in an elective war of aggression.
24
Death toll under Obama was higher. Google it.
3
Ezra Pound is renowned as a great poet, yet even years after the fact is reviled for his politics. GW Bush is not a terrible artist, but he isn't great, either, certainly not enough for his artistic reputation to overcome his dismal political one.
6
I'm a Liberal and I tell you that any painting that President Bush makes has more appeal than any overpriced painting by Jackson Pollack (whose paintings can all be titled "Nest of Strings Viewed on Acid") or Mark Rothko (whose paintings can all be titled "I Know About Rectangles!"). God rest Morley Safer.
12
Only in the degraded vision of contemporary art critics does Bush paint well.
This man of enormous wealth, and superior education opportunities followed the ignorant advise of venal advisors like Cheney and Rumsfeld and ripped apart the middle east. What we are seeing now is the result of this horror, fleeing refugees, cities and cultures in ruins.
Why doesn't he add that Syrian toddler who washed up dead on a Mediterranean shore to his pathetic ouevre.
Instead of painting these amateurish horrors suitable only for The Museum of Bad Art in Somerville Massachusetts, he should roll up his sleeves, open his wallet and go to the epicenter of the chaos he has unloosed. Maybe then he can atone for the damage he has done instead of daubing away in the safety and warmth of Texas which these poor people will never know.
This article disgusts me,
This man of enormous wealth, and superior education opportunities followed the ignorant advise of venal advisors like Cheney and Rumsfeld and ripped apart the middle east. What we are seeing now is the result of this horror, fleeing refugees, cities and cultures in ruins.
Why doesn't he add that Syrian toddler who washed up dead on a Mediterranean shore to his pathetic ouevre.
Instead of painting these amateurish horrors suitable only for The Museum of Bad Art in Somerville Massachusetts, he should roll up his sleeves, open his wallet and go to the epicenter of the chaos he has unloosed. Maybe then he can atone for the damage he has done instead of daubing away in the safety and warmth of Texas which these poor people will never know.
This article disgusts me,
17
Parts of this article reminds me of the scene in "The Crown" where Churchill's portraitist is verbally analyzing a particular landscape scene that Churchill paints over and over trying to capture an essence which escapes him. The portraitist accurately extracts from the paintings characteristics of Churchill the man and not the larger than life world leader the world sees.
Perhaps W's paintings reveal a more complex man than even he would ever let us see.
Perhaps W's paintings reveal a more complex man than even he would ever let us see.
3
He's a war criminal, plain and simple, stop trying to soften his image!
16
I am no fan of George W. and believe he was a poor president, perhaps before Trump, our worst. I cannot hazard a guess as to whether his weaknesses were a result of incompetence or simple ignorance. However, hIs artwork seems to possess what he lacked during his presidency, insight and though. And the ultimate irony is that his subjects were put in harm's way as a result of his incompetence. Life is strange.
10
Bush has clearly ripped off poor Sedrick Huckaby in the most blatant manner, so in effect , he has done what all great artists do: copy somebody.
4
If I rob a bank and also shoot all the patrons, can I create a painting to make up for it?
Sorry for the cynicism but there are many dead and injured people in America and the Middle East as a result of this man's recklessness.
Sorry for the cynicism but there are many dead and injured people in America and the Middle East as a result of this man's recklessness.
24
I am not a Bush supporter, but most Presidents leave dead and injured behind them.
I am humbled after looking at W's paintings. Honest paintings as one commenter said.
There's a saying out there supposedly said by Jesus Christ. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." I believe i just got my sails trimmed.
I am humbled after looking at W's paintings. Honest paintings as one commenter said.
There's a saying out there supposedly said by Jesus Christ. "Judge not, lest ye be judged." I believe i just got my sails trimmed.
2
I was not a Bush supporter, but looking at the portrait of the woman I feel I am looking at the face of Bush himself. To see one's self in another is, I believe, empathy. To portray it, whether intentional or not, must be rare.
5
I think Mr. Bush has something to say with his art, and I hope he expands his giving to benefit others (many others) that his policies harmed. Someday Mr. Trump may try his hand. But, I don't think he will ever move beyond doing his own self portrait over and over and over...
4
As an artist myself, I've been contemplating this article before going up to my studio. I remember reading about W as governor of Texas and the record number of executions on death row without any pardons. When asked how he felt about it, he said he wasn't bothered and slept like a baby.
Forward to Iraq. He said that he would do the same thing all over again! I don't know how he eats, sleeps, let alone, paints? Im going to have a tough time just thinking about this!
Forward to Iraq. He said that he would do the same thing all over again! I don't know how he eats, sleeps, let alone, paints? Im going to have a tough time just thinking about this!
32
interesting but flawed article on W's book, Ms. Swartz... while you're in the library, try reading a couple of books about Democrat presidents Kennedy and Johnson, who in a (bipartisan) demonstration of nationalistic stupidity also got us into a war that killed millions ... and neither produced a single post-White House work of art (although JFK can be excused from that criticism)
7
Look closely and you will see that Bush’s portraits are altered self-portraits.
He appears to be transferring to other’s faces his own guilt and despair.
He appears to be transferring to other’s faces his own guilt and despair.
16
As do all artists, myself included. The way of the (art) world.
1
This was my first thought as well seeing the two paintings at the top of the article.
4
I agree with one of the comments on here that Bush should be painting from a cell, along with Tony Blair. They both should have been tried in The Hague for War Crimes. Not only did they both lead the US and others into a war built on lies, but that war destabilised the entire Middle East and led to the situation we are in today with ISIS, Syria and the refugee crisis. It all started with Iraq. I do believe that Tony Blair has expressed deep remorse - he lives with guilt - you can see it etched in his face - he knows what he caused. I have never seen nor heard "W" express remorse for what he did. I don't think the painting even begins to address it all.
31
Mr Bush's artwork would stand well even if it were signed by an unknown name. Not Picasso, perhaps, but earnest and compelling. Not redemptive, but indicative of the layers and complexity of all human nature.
If Mr Bush would now use his platform as a former president to promote the arts and education -- with the dedication and commitment that President Carter has demonstrated in his retirement -- perhaps that service to the country would begin to offset the horrors that his time as president unleashed.
If Mr Bush would now use his platform as a former president to promote the arts and education -- with the dedication and commitment that President Carter has demonstrated in his retirement -- perhaps that service to the country would begin to offset the horrors that his time as president unleashed.
18
My goodness, you are gullible Ms. Swartz. His public relations people had an easy workout today.
Oh...just noticed you're part of the wider Texas team. Well, that's explained.
Oh...just noticed you're part of the wider Texas team. Well, that's explained.
12
So love the last line of this article! Teaching W the transformative power of art! Perhaps everyone is redeemable. Maybe 45 can be distracted from tweeting and feel the pleasure of pushing his thumbs through clay.
1
Painting portraits of people who were killed as a result of one's decisions and lies does not bring them back to life.
14
In his memoir, Poppy Bush describes precisely what would have happened had the US invaded Iraq rather than kicking them out of Kuwait and implementing a no-fly zone. Apparently his callow son didn't read the memoir. Instead, W set those wheels into motion, with the consequences his father predicted: sectarian warfare, an ascendant Iran, freed of the constraints of its longtime enemy, the majority Shiites in Iraq electing a government that aligns with Iran. Most importantly, Poppy Bush predicted regional destabilization and religious extremism that bore no similarity to the idyllic picture painted by the neo-Cons. In hindsight, Poppy Bush's predictions, which at the time had the seeming of rationalization of policies unpopular with his base, look downright prophetic. In contrast, his son perpetrated the greatest foreign policy disaster of modern US history (yes, worse than Vietnam). We still have the Forever War going (with apologies to Joe Haldeman).
So while W exploring his sensitive side is nice, I'm reluctant to forgive his mistakes. I wonder how he can meet, look at, and paint maimed and disabled veterans whose lives were wrecked based on - in the worst interpretation - his lies, or - in the best interpretation - his naivete. I am skeptical that we best serve the injured veterans or history by celebrating W's decent painting skills.
So while W exploring his sensitive side is nice, I'm reluctant to forgive his mistakes. I wonder how he can meet, look at, and paint maimed and disabled veterans whose lives were wrecked based on - in the worst interpretation - his lies, or - in the best interpretation - his naivete. I am skeptical that we best serve the injured veterans or history by celebrating W's decent painting skills.
14
If only they'd gotten to him sooner.
How does one measure an understatement?
This one should be a finalist for understatement of the century.
How does one measure an understatement?
This one should be a finalist for understatement of the century.
8
What a hypocrite. Maybe this is his way of convincing himself he did no wrong? He is responsible for these poor souls.
8
Maybe he's just painting.
1
These amateurish paintings are not well done, they don't deserve this attention. Slopping paint on canvas while attempting to copy a photograph is not art. Bush should take a few art lessons, learn how to handle a brush; how to interpret an image. His work is yucky.
3
To talk of redemption in Bush's painting is nonsense. The man has a talent for expressing his subjects in a manner we would have not have have felt without his help. A real talent honed and expanded by his excellent teachers. A separate but palpable expression from deep within the man. To conflate this with his actions as a politician is not appropriate. Criticize each on their own merits, but always realize sometime beauty comes from tragedy. Who does not remember "Guernica".
4
Picasso Painted "Guernica" to bring attention to the death and destruction; he didn't cause it.
8
Picasso did not cause Guernica. He painted the horrors of war that he did not abide.
If Bush 2 wants to state in a book, an article, or on the world stage that he, pushed by his malevolent Halliburton profiteering advisor Dick "7 deferments Cheney" to begin and continue a war meant only to fill their coffers, and add into that apology the voices of his chorus, Rumsfeld (who did not care a fig for all the great ART destroyed by bombing and looting in the once great center of civilization, Baghdad), Perl, and Wolfowitz....then perhaps George Bush number 2 would be respected for his present attempts at redemption through paint. I fear he again is using the very people who suffered for his war.
If Bush 2 wants to state in a book, an article, or on the world stage that he, pushed by his malevolent Halliburton profiteering advisor Dick "7 deferments Cheney" to begin and continue a war meant only to fill their coffers, and add into that apology the voices of his chorus, Rumsfeld (who did not care a fig for all the great ART destroyed by bombing and looting in the once great center of civilization, Baghdad), Perl, and Wolfowitz....then perhaps George Bush number 2 would be respected for his present attempts at redemption through paint. I fear he again is using the very people who suffered for his war.
7
'' Hell is yourself and the only redemption is when a person puts himself aside to feel deeply for another person. '' ~ Tennessee Williams
Having pointed that out, I would also add that it would take feeling deeply for all and not just all of one kind.
It is the age old dichotomy, that if one does some sort of good, does it make up for any past indiscretions ? I would say that this man does not have that much of a lifetime left to make up for the choices he made that affected not only the United States, but the world.
Nice painting though ...
Having pointed that out, I would also add that it would take feeling deeply for all and not just all of one kind.
It is the age old dichotomy, that if one does some sort of good, does it make up for any past indiscretions ? I would say that this man does not have that much of a lifetime left to make up for the choices he made that affected not only the United States, but the world.
Nice painting though ...
8
This is a powerful argument for the value of arts education from early childhood. If one learns to see light in the shadows, variation in a plain blue sky, and tone in one realm of endeavor, then the foundation exists to extend it to other realms. I am an educator of both people (college) and dogs (puppies). With puppies, I like to teach "It's Your Choice" (aka Puppy Zen) for impulse control: they learn that they can't just grab what they want, but have to figure out what will enlist the cooperation of the human so that they can get it. They learn, in short, to think about it, to connect, and to say "please." (Big step for a puppy.) Although dogs are usually described as not good at generalizing what they know, in my experience, once they have learned this in one exercise, it's very easy to transfer to other things as well. (Plus, right away, they don't bite the hand that feeds them, or invade other countries with poor justification, any more.)
7
Can a lying, torturing mass-murderer be redeemed? What does that mean in real terms? He should be paining from prison.
20
Then Obama (doing whatever hobby he likes) should be following right along behind Bush for the people he was responsible for killing while president (Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and Yemen, as well as allowing the slaughter in Syria to continue), and including the assassination of a U.S. citizen without due process and the death of his child. Wait, there's no golf or body surfing in prison. Obama may have to take up painting too.
3
If Dick Cheney starts writing poetry we're really in trouble. Making art does not pass for compassion nor redemption. Too many died needlessly and unjustly at the hands of the Bush administration. I am not convinced, nor as forgiving as this writer.
21
Here is a lesson about federal funding for the arts and the humanities. We all need art to touch our lives. Through art we understand our world and understand ourselves. More art, less war.
2
His paintings show the confidence of an artist, very unlike student work and even with more authority than work you see hung in galleries in NYC, but he makes plenty of mistakes - not simply the result of deliberate artistic choices - based on my viewing, as they're the kinds of mistakes you see in student work thousands of times, again and again and again. But unlike students who sense something isn't quite right and so make tentative strokes, George Bush makes those errors with conviction. And so he basically approaches art in the way he fought terrorism, with confidence riddled with error. But with painting the results are not harmful. He should have pursued art all along instead of the presidency.
5
Are we supposed to give him a hug like Michelle Obama, just because he's become an incredibly overrated painter? If he weren't a former president, he'd be showing his art in the parking lot of CVC. Of course he's painting veterans. He's like every other rah-rah politician who never served but wants to be seen as a tough guy. Remember "Mission Accomplished"? Paint that.
6
I think he took up painting to have something to do while he spends the rest of his life in his self imposed prison. The eyes of the woman are his own regret of not having made the right decisions while in office.
3
Too bad 45 is going to destroy the NEA, maybe instead Trump should take up painting too?
1
Whatever your thoughts about W (not a fan) - if ever there was an argument against cancelling funds for the NEA, this is it. Engaging in the arts can only open one's world view and allow one to grow intellectually as well as creatively. This kind of education is not quantifiable by testing. Just one reason why arts programs at schools are often the first programs to be cut, as they are not deemed "important" to children's development. So wrong.
9
I have often referred to GW as "worst president - ever." Now that he has clearly lost that title, I reflect on the man he has become, not the President he was. In my mind he is much, much happier, competent and likable, maybe lovable, in his new role, and that includes his painting. He is clearly enjoying his work and I'm confident he is aware of both his growth and challenges in painting. This is as it should be. Any tough skill is more of a journey than a destination. Good luck with your painting George!
4
What first strikes me about the two portraits shown, is that the subjects look shell-shocked. Much like what so much of the country felt during W's tenure. So at least he's picking up on that. (Okay, and as much as I despised him and his neo-con administration, I have to admit to actually liking his paintings.)
4
This article represents (yet again) the best of the New York Times. Skillfully written, a treat to read, surprising (and enlightening) in its content. It's fascinating to peer into the post-Presidential lives of our leaders. While one kite-surfs in Hawaii, another builds a global foundation and another quietly puts brush to canvass in his studio. It is a reminder that leaders, no matter how powerful, are people too. People just like us.
4
I wonder what he thinks about the proposed elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts? Do speak up, Mr. Bush.
19
As a Christian, I can be grateful that there is some measure of empathy and, dare I say it, redemption, for Bush at this late stage in his life. It reminds me of Isaiah 1:18: "Though your sins are scarlet, they will be white as snow." Quite literal in Bush's case.
As an American and less than average human being, I join the writer in lamenting that this didn't come sooner - that the tuition of Mister Bush's moral education was paid in the blood of thousands.
As an American and less than average human being, I join the writer in lamenting that this didn't come sooner - that the tuition of Mister Bush's moral education was paid in the blood of thousands.
3
I'm appalled by those who so easily let George Bush off the hook. The invasion of Iraq was criminal, trumped up ballyhoo about WMDs that didn't exist, with the Bush Administration vilifying honest weapons inspectors and the Middle East experts who accurately predicted no WMDs would be found and warned that an invasion would upset a hornet's nest of tribal instabilities, all of which has come true.
This information was out there if you were tuned in to NPR and PBS news. But instead most Americans bought into Bush's deliberate obfuscations that Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden were in cahoots. Don't you remember?
Thousands of lives have been lost and trillions of dollars down the drain, while our nation lacks adequate health care, and what did George Bush succeed in giving the world? ISIS, and mass migrations of refugees, leading to the immigrant crises in Europe and issues that divide the US today.
The ramifications go on even as George Bush tries to lose himself in painting, but we the American public should never forget how easily we were duped. Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it, a truth especially ominous as Trump has begun saber-rattling about Iran, sounding just like Bush one year before invading Iraq.
This information was out there if you were tuned in to NPR and PBS news. But instead most Americans bought into Bush's deliberate obfuscations that Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden were in cahoots. Don't you remember?
Thousands of lives have been lost and trillions of dollars down the drain, while our nation lacks adequate health care, and what did George Bush succeed in giving the world? ISIS, and mass migrations of refugees, leading to the immigrant crises in Europe and issues that divide the US today.
The ramifications go on even as George Bush tries to lose himself in painting, but we the American public should never forget how easily we were duped. Those who do not remember history are doomed to repeat it, a truth especially ominous as Trump has begun saber-rattling about Iran, sounding just like Bush one year before invading Iraq.
141
You are right.Real redemption would be for Bush to admit this but he never has.You should have added torture to his crimes.
5
Big media was also complicit in giving Bush the platform to espouse his lies.
5
Those who wish to denigrate his painting on account of his political career should ask themselves: Do we offer those who have done wrong the opportunity to redeem themselves, or don't we?
If your friend or family member did wrong--very wrong--would you offer them the opportunity to rectify their errors, pay for their crimes, rehabilitate themselves, and give back to society? Or would you condemn them for all time?
In my view, those who deny others the opportunity to redeem themselves perpetuate a society of vengefulness, hatred, and inhumanity. Ours should be a society of compassion and kindness. People who do wrong should pay for their crimes, and if you want to argue that W. committed crimes, that's a fair discussion to have. Given the many innocent lives lost overseas on account of his wars, it could be argued that he should live his life behind bars for life. I presume innocence before guilt, and I am not an expert on the internal machinations of the Bush administration, so I defer taking a stand on that issue to those who know more than I do.
W.'s painting can and should be judged independently of his political career. I strongly disapprove of the decisions he made in office. He was a bad president, no holds barred. Nevertheless, his paintings of veterans evidence a kindness and humanity that I respect and appreciate. I am not an art savant, so I can't speak to the depth or rigor of his artistry, but I see kindness, compassion, and understanding in that artwork.
If your friend or family member did wrong--very wrong--would you offer them the opportunity to rectify their errors, pay for their crimes, rehabilitate themselves, and give back to society? Or would you condemn them for all time?
In my view, those who deny others the opportunity to redeem themselves perpetuate a society of vengefulness, hatred, and inhumanity. Ours should be a society of compassion and kindness. People who do wrong should pay for their crimes, and if you want to argue that W. committed crimes, that's a fair discussion to have. Given the many innocent lives lost overseas on account of his wars, it could be argued that he should live his life behind bars for life. I presume innocence before guilt, and I am not an expert on the internal machinations of the Bush administration, so I defer taking a stand on that issue to those who know more than I do.
W.'s painting can and should be judged independently of his political career. I strongly disapprove of the decisions he made in office. He was a bad president, no holds barred. Nevertheless, his paintings of veterans evidence a kindness and humanity that I respect and appreciate. I am not an art savant, so I can't speak to the depth or rigor of his artistry, but I see kindness, compassion, and understanding in that artwork.
81
Public officials must be held to a higher standard, because millions die at the flick of a pen. Iraqis died at a huge rate, their country is in shambles, ISIS emerged from the ashes of this debacle.
I also like his portraits, and I think he grew in office a bit. But he and his administration damaged the world, irreparably. There is no redemption from that possible.
I also like his portraits, and I think he grew in office a bit. But he and his administration damaged the world, irreparably. There is no redemption from that possible.
2
Those who have done wrong is an understatement in this case. The full range of charges have yet to be brought up, and if they ever are, they will lock him up and take away his paint brushes
4
And yet he has not apologized for his actions or decisions taken during his presidency.
Not a word regarding his authorization of torture. No regret expressed for secret prisons in foreign countries run by the CIA. No explanation as to why Guantanamo in Cuba was a terrible decision. And of course, no remorse at igniting the Middle East with war. Then, of course, we could then discuss the domestic side of his catastrophic time in office. But why belabor the point.
I'm glad he found painting to help heal his soul. It needs a bunch of healing. I wonder if there are any Iraqi veterans in his book? Any paintings of prisoners in one of his prisons since released as they were innocent? How many Iraqi citizens killed in the terror made it to his pages?
Not a word regarding his authorization of torture. No regret expressed for secret prisons in foreign countries run by the CIA. No explanation as to why Guantanamo in Cuba was a terrible decision. And of course, no remorse at igniting the Middle East with war. Then, of course, we could then discuss the domestic side of his catastrophic time in office. But why belabor the point.
I'm glad he found painting to help heal his soul. It needs a bunch of healing. I wonder if there are any Iraqi veterans in his book? Any paintings of prisoners in one of his prisons since released as they were innocent? How many Iraqi citizens killed in the terror made it to his pages?
5
Do you believe all those he murdered - both Iraqi's and Americans would be mollified by this monster painting pictures of his own feet.
Are you simple.
So far bush is the greatest criminal of the 21st cent
Are you simple.
So far bush is the greatest criminal of the 21st cent
7
I think an attempt at atonement is what's happening with Bush as revealed in these portraits, and like Coloridge's "Ancient Mariner" perhaps he will find it, by teaching his tale... Iraq , however, is an Albatross difficult to cut loose by painting no matter how many portraits. With Trump as our new president, a narcissist incapable of asking for anything but adulation, and a sum total ignorance of the world that makes Bush look like a towering intellect, we are in grave danger of conflicts far greater than Iraq. Why Americans have now elected 2 republican presidents, one marginally qualified to serve, one completely unqualified is a question for the ages, but in the present does not bode well for our country.
3
Former President G W Bush has found change, focus and personal growth through his discovery of art and painting. I congratulate him and hope the growth of this man continues so that he may understand where he lead the country during his two terms in office. It is interesting that at the same time Mr Bush has received a bit of enlightenment his own party would like to destroy the NEA and PBS. It took over 60 years for Mr. Bush to find enlightenment because the arts meant nothing to him before that time. Mr Bush should come forward and protest the destruction of the NEA and PBS to prove his new enlightenment is more than skin deep and not just a personal promotion.
7
The only way that President Bush's art can be truly redemptive is either as part of a truth and reconciliation process or offered as a testament to his character during the sentencing phase following his conviction before the ICC for war crimes. How quickly we are told to forget the sins for the rich and powerful.
8
George W. bush is a war criminal. He and Dick Chaney purposefully deceived the American public leading to the debacle in Irag costly thousands of soldiers there life an limb and untold suffering of millions of Iraqis. And then the rise of Al Qaeda and Isis. Bush was clearly not smart and unqualified but should be held accountable by a legal tribunal for traitorous acts.
12
History has condemned George W. to paint by the numbers. It must haunt him, all those people he needlessly put in harm’s way. His color is a tragic blood red. You want to like the guy and give him credit for something, just for once. It’s so bloody hard to do.
3
A little too little and a little too late.
7
it is certainly remarkable that W. has emerged as a talented artist. And the subjects he selects as well as the style he applies attest to a level of understanding that few have associated with him.
And yet the paintings that I have seen have all been of US military personnel, some of whom suffered greatly physically, psychologically or both from the various wars he entered into as President. Absent are the many more people of other nations who have been affected, and continue to be affected by his decision to invade Iraq. That decision, which was made at a time when a duly appointed international inspector had not found any evidence of the material that Sadam was suspected of having was a war crime.
Consequently, it would be appropriate if W. along with the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom shared a cell equipped with painting equipment. Somethings cannot be forgiven.
And yet the paintings that I have seen have all been of US military personnel, some of whom suffered greatly physically, psychologically or both from the various wars he entered into as President. Absent are the many more people of other nations who have been affected, and continue to be affected by his decision to invade Iraq. That decision, which was made at a time when a duly appointed international inspector had not found any evidence of the material that Sadam was suspected of having was a war crime.
Consequently, it would be appropriate if W. along with the then Prime Minister of the United Kingdom shared a cell equipped with painting equipment. Somethings cannot be forgiven.
8
Sorry, Bush may be looking a lot better in our minds in comparison with the lying demagogue Trump. BUT it will take a lot for than a few paintings to make me forget Bush's own lies about Iraq, the disaster of the wars he started (based on those lies), and the near-miss from a disaster from his financial policies that led us to the brink of Great Depression 2
114
The financial polices that lead us to the brink were promulgated by Bill Clinton - does the end of Glass Steagall ring a bell, or the incredibly bad 1990's lending policies of Fannie Mae and Freddy Mac, with their "no doc" mortgage loans?
1
Just beautiful. Thank you, Mimi, for this piece.
2
Redemption? Ask the million innocent people killed in Iraq.
17
It's very difficult not to resent privilege, especially when W has his access to instruction, but mostly because IT WOULDN'T MATTER WHAT/HOW HE PAINTED!!! He would be chosen, admired, praised, reviewed, exhibited and no doubt sold. It's that 'privilege' thing that those who have it never admit. "He's a self-taught artist!!" Right.
7
Just couldn't resist the snark, Ms. Swartz? Overall, though, your column did a nice job explaining W's growing involvement with painting and I thank you for that. This inspires me, a contemporary of the former president, in my own artistic journey. If only you had gotten to him sooner, to paraphrase your closing jibe -- if only you had opened your mind earlier, you would have seen the man you describe today: honest, forthright, caring, and yes a certain childlike and sweet response to life. He was always that way. Even the well-to-do sometimes must wait for retirement to have the time and mental space to appreciate and get involved with art.
3
Sorry, no. That man is a war criminal, directly responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and further bankrupting our country. His childlike mind should never have occupied the White House, which wouldn't have happened if the Republicans (including, of course, his brother Jeb) didn't steal that election.
4
I'm going to try and be as generous as possible here...there are many more harmful things W could be doing. And Michelle Obama likes him, so that's a good sign. Now we just need him to deliver a ringing condemnation of the current occupant of his old office, at least on the subject of our hispanic immigrants...put down the brush for a minute, and let some outrage flow threw a pen?
3
A collection of paintings won't hack it Mr. Bush. No matter what you do or say or paint, you'll always be remembered as the president that started a senseless, useless and misbegotten war. You can try to redeem yourself all you want. It's not going to work, ever. You caused hundreds of thousands of death and you destroyed a people and a country. You must live with your actions the rest of your life, and so you should. You don't deserve any redemption. Not now, not ever.
12
Bush is using the same old tactics that were used during his presidency (and are being used by the current administration): Appeal to people's emotions (in this case, via war veterans) to manipulate their perception and judgment.
Make no mistake: W Bush is as narcissistic as Trump. What's important to him is *his* legacy. He's exploiting these veterans to change how people think of *him*. As always, it's all about *him*--*his* painting, *his* book, *his* experience.
W and Trump are exhausting. "Look at me! Look at me! Pay attention to ME!" Two toddler children demanding attention and praise.
Make no mistake: W Bush is as narcissistic as Trump. What's important to him is *his* legacy. He's exploiting these veterans to change how people think of *him*. As always, it's all about *him*--*his* painting, *his* book, *his* experience.
W and Trump are exhausting. "Look at me! Look at me! Pay attention to ME!" Two toddler children demanding attention and praise.
6
Let us not forget that this "artist" took us into an unwinnable war that resulted in thousands of Iraqi and American deaths. Just because he can paint a few pictures doesn't change that fact.
24
Unless W renounces the Iraq War, that killed millions, he will find no redemption in his art----from us or himself.
17
If nothing else, his style seems to be evolving. The two paintings displayed with this article are much better than his previous efforts.
1
People are seldom one-dimensional, including Presidents.
3
Somehow I was NOT surprised that Mr. Bush had an artistic bent. One day, while President, he made a comment about his visit to the Kremlin that stood out to me... because the thing that stood out most to HIM, it seemed, was the "beautiful buildings" there. Not sure why, but I always had an inkling that he would make his mark in some art form later in life.
5
George W. Bush's paintings and the subjects in this book represented a kind of redemption to me too. It is heartening to be able to see his progress as a human being after eight years of rancorous and largely ineffective leadership (the economy and the Middle East.) He seems much happier now. And if there is a lesson to be learned here, it's that "it's never too late" to find a truer path to your life, no matter what your age is. I bought the book and am glad that I did.
4
I'm glad he's changing. It's nice. And he chose a very meaningful subject for himself and them.
I wish Trump would take up painting or some other kind of introspective hobby.
I wish Trump would take up painting or some other kind of introspective hobby.
3
Good for him. The world needs more art. It's one of the few things that can transform a good day into a great one.
And, yet, one can never forget the tragic nuance contained in the words: "If only ...."
And, yet, one can never forget the tragic nuance contained in the words: "If only ...."
3
Here's an even prettier picture: GW painting in jail, convicted of war crimes, along with Cheney et al.
7
In this case, art does not heal.
5
What if his name were George W. Shrub and he really was born and raised cowboy in Texas?
I still miss Molly Ivins.
I still miss Molly Ivins.
6
"If only they had gotten to him sooner...". What???? I just cannot participate in the rehabilitation of a president to started an unnecessary war, advocated the use of torture, bungled Hurricane Katrina, and presided over a painful housing and banking crisis. As people choose to change their opinions of George W. Bush because Michelle Obama likes him, or he's a better humoresque guest than Trump on talk shows, or that he has discovered something about himself through his paintings, we need to hold him accountable for lying to the American public about "mission accomplished."
5
So, the ex-President publishes a book of paintings the same month the current <> President seeks to cut all funds for the National Endowment for the Humanities, The National Endowment for the Arts, and for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. (Which,, together, cost about what it does to support Melania and Baron in NY for a few weeks.) I suppose 43 could call 45, and have a chat about the redemptive value of art, but, then, nah, it would be the waste of a phone call.
2
I'd like to see W, the painter, go to Washington and ad a strong voice defending the future of the NEA.
3
If W could paint a massive 'Guernica' to commemorate the war he visited upon Iraq, suffused with his tears, I could begin to view him with some charity.
4
To me, it is clear, 8 years after the fact, that President Bush does not deserve as much blame as he has gotten for the Great Recession. This is the case whether you believe that it was caused by excessive risk-taking by, coupled with lax regulation of, Wall Street, or instead by excessive government intervention in the mortgage marketplace. Had the 2000 election gone differently, President Gore would have pursued the same hands-off approach to Wall Street and the same policy of seeking greater mortgage accessibility for low-income borrowers. The same would have been true of President Kerry had the 2004 election gone differently. We would have had the 2008 crash no matter which party held the White House at the time.
Foreign policy is a different story, however. The Iraq war will forever be a stain on him and his presidency, and deservedly so. For all his many shortcomings, Saddam Hussein kept a tight lid on terrorism in Iraq, if for no other reason than for his own survival. The Iraq war pushed that genie out of the bottle and it's doubtful that anyone will ever be able to stuff it back in. The folly of the Bush Administration's "nation building" efforts may have contributed in part to Trump's election last November, as the neocon foreign policy establishment's wholesale embrace of Clinton probably drove at least some war-weary voters toward a comparatively dovish-looking Trump.
Foreign policy is a different story, however. The Iraq war will forever be a stain on him and his presidency, and deservedly so. For all his many shortcomings, Saddam Hussein kept a tight lid on terrorism in Iraq, if for no other reason than for his own survival. The Iraq war pushed that genie out of the bottle and it's doubtful that anyone will ever be able to stuff it back in. The folly of the Bush Administration's "nation building" efforts may have contributed in part to Trump's election last November, as the neocon foreign policy establishment's wholesale embrace of Clinton probably drove at least some war-weary voters toward a comparatively dovish-looking Trump.
I'm a proud progressive. I was a painter in college, as well - mainly landscapes. I managed to get through maybe ten comments here. Every time I see things like this, it's eminently clear why nearly half this country remains conservative, and mainly based on simple juvenile defiance.
It's an article about a former president who's turned to painting in his retirement. It's an evaluation of his current work and book with a nod towards his background. Is it really so satisfying to rehash the "quaint," recent past? Are we really looking for redemption (or lack thereof) in his work?
If so, then here's the summary: A man who led us into disastrous wars and encouraged cultural shifts that in some way foretold and some way precipitated the current state of our national identity crisis, often with a seeming sense of insouciance and lack of accountability, has turned to painting in his older years. Painting portraits is a meditative, contemplative pastime that by its nature necessitates thoughtfulness and some measure of compassion and empathy. Is GWB redeemed? No, not really. But perhaps *we* can glean some comfort from where this former American exceptionalist Texan egotist has found himself after all that. The redemption should be *ours*, not his. I mean, it's not like he went the way of Cheney.
Many of my fellow liberals should stop wallowing in self-righteousness. Stop being such cranky know-it-alls, and learn to enjoy a nice story.
It's an article about a former president who's turned to painting in his retirement. It's an evaluation of his current work and book with a nod towards his background. Is it really so satisfying to rehash the "quaint," recent past? Are we really looking for redemption (or lack thereof) in his work?
If so, then here's the summary: A man who led us into disastrous wars and encouraged cultural shifts that in some way foretold and some way precipitated the current state of our national identity crisis, often with a seeming sense of insouciance and lack of accountability, has turned to painting in his older years. Painting portraits is a meditative, contemplative pastime that by its nature necessitates thoughtfulness and some measure of compassion and empathy. Is GWB redeemed? No, not really. But perhaps *we* can glean some comfort from where this former American exceptionalist Texan egotist has found himself after all that. The redemption should be *ours*, not his. I mean, it's not like he went the way of Cheney.
Many of my fellow liberals should stop wallowing in self-righteousness. Stop being such cranky know-it-alls, and learn to enjoy a nice story.
8
Although he had given up alcohol when he married Laura, Mr. Bush was basically our first playboy president. He enjoyed rubbing elbows with other leaders, thought governance was a joke, and has never come to grips with the incredible harm he did to both the US and the world.
His appearances on talk show recently show a still folksy good old boy with a Texas accent. W is still a phony aided and abetted by the media. His skill level is probably similar to most beginners at the Art Students' League of NY. But, a past-president engaged in art is unusual and therefore catches attention.
Just wish he had found art and painting before he ran for governor.
His appearances on talk show recently show a still folksy good old boy with a Texas accent. W is still a phony aided and abetted by the media. His skill level is probably similar to most beginners at the Art Students' League of NY. But, a past-president engaged in art is unusual and therefore catches attention.
Just wish he had found art and painting before he ran for governor.
5
"first playboy president" ?!... ever hear of John F. Kennedy ?... the beloved Democrat who got the ball rolling that killed millions in SE Asia ?
2
This is why we need the NEA and more arts education: If George W. had been introduced to painting as a youngster and found his true calling as an artist, we might have been spared his failed attempt at governing.
12
Maybe GW can implore his fellow Republicans not to gut the National Endowment for the Arts?
13
LOL, I think that's the best comment I've read in a very long time.
God bless you!
God bless you!
His paintings are very interesting and alive, especially the one of the man. I wish that he could use some of his political influence, if he has any left, to persuade Congress to fund the NEA.
4
Mr. Bush should take himself to art school. He is avid and aggressive, but his work is infantile. A few sessions with a good teacher and he would be flying. His use of paint makes everything blurry and rundown, and muddy.
If he wants lessons he should get them, and then his work might be more appealing. Now, it is amateurish, but he has talent and should develop it professionally and not depend on his fame for recognition.
If he wants lessons he should get them, and then his work might be more appealing. Now, it is amateurish, but he has talent and should develop it professionally and not depend on his fame for recognition.
2
It appears he has taken the non-institutional path to his education as an artist, the same path taken by noted artists throughout history who eschewed "formal" and exucation. His politics were abhorrent to me, yet his artwork is meaningful and compelling. How did you arrive at your credentials as a critic?
2
In the Trump era we grow nostalgic over a hapless incompetent President.
It just shows how terrible things are now.
It just shows how terrible things are now.
1
He has talent. I like his paintings. No politics.
2
The notion that GWB can buy redemption for the needless deaths of hundreds of thousands of American and Iraqi lives by donating a few bucks to a veterans charity is obscene. Just including "Commander-In-Chief in the title is a reminder of the devastation this monster unleashed on the people of Iraq.
What's next? Portraits of his victims in the throes of being tortured?
What's next? Portraits of his victims in the throes of being tortured?
4
Comparatively speaking, I actually miss him. Seriously.
1
The man qualifies as an untried war criminal, IMO.
Let him refine his artistique skills in jail at the Hague. I'm sure there would be no lack of subjects to paint.
Let him refine his artistique skills in jail at the Hague. I'm sure there would be no lack of subjects to paint.
4
Yep. Those warriors wouldn't be wounded if he hadn't put them in harms way for no good reason- a war of choice. He should be ashamed.
And his "art" is god awful.
And his "art" is god awful.
4
Yes - the world would be a better place if GWB started painting at a younger age - a much younger age.
5
Why this article? Does W have a publicist working for him to aid in beefing up his horrid reputation? Trump's taking care of that. I could care less about his art. He was a wretched president who is responsible for the deaths of thousands. Maybe he could paint more and even better in prison.
4
That's correct, some of us cannot separate the so-called "artist" from the war-criminal-in-chief. Why should we exactly?
4
Maybe someone could teach Trump how to paint -- now, instead of waiting til after all the disasters.
IfGWB has thru the arts a broader worldview, then he should help the American people thru speaking out against the rain of terror named Donald Trump.
Trump doesn't think arts should be supported nor NASA nor elderly or the young. Education is not important for the poor.
Stand up George with the rest of your family for Country not the republican party who would take us back to the dark ages.
Trump doesn't think arts should be supported nor NASA nor elderly or the young. Education is not important for the poor.
Stand up George with the rest of your family for Country not the republican party who would take us back to the dark ages.
2
The article competently described George Bush's artistic journey, and it was a pleasing read. The snarky end sentence was unnecessary. And mean.
1
Brandishing a brush on a canvas is not redemption for causing global consternation. I would much prefer that he simply hides in his cellar.
6
As a Christian I know it is proper to forgive. Forgive even people such GWB who needlessly started a war which killed thousands of American soldiers and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis. But it is hard.
When I look at his paintings though, it dawns on me that on some level GWB also profoundly feels the loss of so many. And he, maybe more than any of the rest of us, must struggle to come to terms with decisions he has made and the evil that they wrought.
I don't know if I "forgive" GWB. But I pray for him.
When I look at his paintings though, it dawns on me that on some level GWB also profoundly feels the loss of so many. And he, maybe more than any of the rest of us, must struggle to come to terms with decisions he has made and the evil that they wrought.
I don't know if I "forgive" GWB. But I pray for him.
1
This is a feel-good story about someone many of us don't feel very good about. Jimmy Kimmel had him on, and asked him to do a quick sketch of the host. The finished sketch showed a lack of skill so apparent it was an awkward moment. I find it difficult to believe he's doing these paintings without one of his mentors standing next to him, telling him what colors to use and where exactly to make changes.
5
Let's please not start in on this. This warm and gracious man presided over an absolute disaster of a presidency. Last time I looked he could afford any retirement lifestyle he wanted. I hope he's comfortable and happy. A lot of dead people and their families aren't, and a lot of us who aren't dead are in a country that's still suffering from what those miserably irresponsible people did.
Let the rich paint. The rest of us had better knock off the sentimentality and figure out how to stop rich people from buying elections. The next one is already on sale.
Let the rich paint. The rest of us had better knock off the sentimentality and figure out how to stop rich people from buying elections. The next one is already on sale.
1
Better late than never.
Too bad he was president when he was a nasty s.o.b. that made terrible decisions for the US such as going to war in order to win a 2nd term.
Probably those faces of dead soldiers are haunting him now.
Keep at it George - it is never too late to atone for your sins.
Too bad he was president when he was a nasty s.o.b. that made terrible decisions for the US such as going to war in order to win a 2nd term.
Probably those faces of dead soldiers are haunting him now.
Keep at it George - it is never too late to atone for your sins.
2
Art is the light of God showing through the muck and mire of the human condition. If their is no hope of redemption there is no hope.
W's paintings are amazing. They remind me of Alice Neel and the Fauves! It's an amazing accomplishment for someone more comfortable with a pitchfork in his hand than a brush. The amazing thing is that through painting he has gotten in touch with his emotions and his guilt and he's telling the world, "I'm sorry. I messed up." For so long I had such distain for this man but now I admire him. Besides, put him next to the joke we now have as president and he shines. W is a terrific painter. I forgive him.
3
Psh. Please.
"The amazing thing is that through painting he has gotten in touch with his emotions and his guilt and he's telling the world, "I'm sorry. I messed up."
You'd think the millionaire with more social and political influence than most people can conceive of could find a louder, more productive way to tell the world he's sorry. Painting is fun. I paint. I have more talent than W. I understand why he likes painting, but this is an activity that benefits HIM. To pretend that he's gifting us with some heroic atonement is ridiculous, and it's even more ridiculous when you compare when he is offering with what he has the captivity to offer.
"The amazing thing is that through painting he has gotten in touch with his emotions and his guilt and he's telling the world, "I'm sorry. I messed up."
You'd think the millionaire with more social and political influence than most people can conceive of could find a louder, more productive way to tell the world he's sorry. Painting is fun. I paint. I have more talent than W. I understand why he likes painting, but this is an activity that benefits HIM. To pretend that he's gifting us with some heroic atonement is ridiculous, and it's even more ridiculous when you compare when he is offering with what he has the captivity to offer.
4
George W. Bush is not a bad man. But as President, he surrounded himself by bad people. His art is an illustration of what happens when is around the good.
3
you are known by the company you keep. he clearly didn't view cheney as a "bad man" seen thru his own eyes.
1
Way too little, way too late. How nice that he gets to live out his life as a rich man dabbing colors onto a canvas and getting praised for it, despite all of the damage he's done. Makes me sick.
14
None of us are all good or all bad. W's art doesn't redeem him from the disaster that was his presidency it just reveals a different side of him. History will judge him based on those eight years regardless of how talented he is as an artist as well they should.
3
Many of us could have been helped if "people had gotten to us sooner." This story moves me to try and offer some encouragement to folks who are struggling. Whether this story is Shakespearean or Biblical, it is inspiring.
I guess this article is part of the Bush reboot PR campaign that's been coming at us from every direction recently. President Bush oversaw the collapse of the US economy and the worse foreign policy decisions since...pick your poison. So many people in the US, Europe and Middle East have suffered because of his poor judgment in policy and advisors. Staying out of the public eye is the least he could do. The NYT doesn't have be part of this nonsense.
8
I find George Bush's catharsis a nice counterpoint to Bill Clinton's--Bush seems to lament the toll power took on his soul in the interviews of late. The Clinton(s) seems to be withdrawing from it in a more fiendish way, trying to score "one more hit." I suspect Mr Obama will take an approach more akin to Bush but that remains to be seen.
7
Bill Clinton established a charity that helped people all over the world.
no GOP deflection will make bush any less a murderous monster than he is
no GOP deflection will make bush any less a murderous monster than he is
4
Oh for goodness sakes, Bush Jr. didn't have a clue while in office and has never found one. He's a not-too-intelligent son of a wealthy family who was elevated far beyond his capacity, to be used as a tool for the military industrial complex.
He can paint the graves of every human death he was responsible for in Iraq, and he still would be something I'd wipe off my shoes if I stepped in him.
He can paint the graves of every human death he was responsible for in Iraq, and he still would be something I'd wipe off my shoes if I stepped in him.
16
There is one thing I cannot forgive George W Bush for: not being a reader. He certainly seems like a decent painter, and is likely a good person. But to be a leader, one must understand what good books and good authors tell us, and learn the lessons of the past.
If he had read about and understood the history of military invasions, he would have been less likely to invade Iraq.
If he had read about and understood the history of military invasions, he would have been less likely to invade Iraq.
5
SO much hatred here. George Bush did the best he could with the knowledge he had at the time. And he had the full support of the American people behind him.
His choices were "damed if you do, damed if you don't". I was not in favor of the invasion of Afghanistan and the entire Middle East war; I wasn't when his father invaded Iraq either. But just because I don't agree with their decisions (which in no way do I think were made casually), doesn't mean I must vilify either man. And that is exactly what most people commenting here are doing.
George W Bush is a good and honorable man. He made innumerable visits to wounded warriors, never taking the press with him. He and his family are filled with compassion for their fellow man.
Would his paintings today be garnering the attention they are if he had not been President? Would Winston Churchill's have been if he hadn't been Churchill? Probably not, but both men painted with an honesty that shows through. Bush has behaved in a highly dignified manner since leaving office over 8 years ago. He lives a thoroughly private life and has not set up foundations etc to bring him in more money. An honorable man.
Dislike his policies if you will - that is the right of every citizen - but this demonizing is so emblematic of what is so wrong in society today; we can no longer disagree with hating and that hurts us more than the recipient of our hatred.
His choices were "damed if you do, damed if you don't". I was not in favor of the invasion of Afghanistan and the entire Middle East war; I wasn't when his father invaded Iraq either. But just because I don't agree with their decisions (which in no way do I think were made casually), doesn't mean I must vilify either man. And that is exactly what most people commenting here are doing.
George W Bush is a good and honorable man. He made innumerable visits to wounded warriors, never taking the press with him. He and his family are filled with compassion for their fellow man.
Would his paintings today be garnering the attention they are if he had not been President? Would Winston Churchill's have been if he hadn't been Churchill? Probably not, but both men painted with an honesty that shows through. Bush has behaved in a highly dignified manner since leaving office over 8 years ago. He lives a thoroughly private life and has not set up foundations etc to bring him in more money. An honorable man.
Dislike his policies if you will - that is the right of every citizen - but this demonizing is so emblematic of what is so wrong in society today; we can no longer disagree with hating and that hurts us more than the recipient of our hatred.
15
George W. Bush *did not* have the "full support of the American people" behind him. You cannot rewrite history just because you approve of his choices. I was one of millions of Americans who opposed his militarization and adventuristic wars, as well as the childish "War on Terror". We did not line up in lock step behind George W. Bush and it's a matter of keeping the historical record straight to point that out.
3
no his choice was to lie us into war despite the mountains of evidence he was wrong.
You don't need hate, A GOP family value, to condemn a monster
You don't need hate, A GOP family value, to condemn a monster
1
Two words. Hans Blix. No, GWB did not have the full support of Americans. There were massive protests against the war across the country and the world. Today, most Americans including the president agree the war was a tragic waste of money and, by extension, waste of lives. Let me remind you GWB was the same "good man" who was the first president in American history to employ torture in violation of every standard of American decency and morality.
3
The woman on the right has a distinctly Van Gogh feel, with the slight asymmetry, (especially of the eyes) thick outlined paint, and strong warm-cool contrast. Good for Mr. Bush.
His paintings are superficially simplistic but actually quite complex, as was his presidency. Many here talk about the lives he "wasted' in ill conceived wars. However, that too is a simplistic view, as difficult historical choices are all about (easily forgotten) context. The bottom line is that there was no repeat 9/11 attack on his watch or since. To Mr. Bush, I'm sure, that is his greatest legacy. Whether that can be contributed, in part, to the deterrence of America's strong show of military strength after 9/11 is something we will never be able to prove one way or another. We will certainly never know what would have been had we just taken the blow and responded in a minimalist fashion. Maybe it would have been much better. Maybe not.
Instead, we can acknowledge the limitations of human ability to really control our own destiny—and that is exactly the sentiment I see in the eyes of these portraits. These are Mr. Bush's portraits of others, but when I look in their eyes all I see are portraits of of himself.
His paintings are superficially simplistic but actually quite complex, as was his presidency. Many here talk about the lives he "wasted' in ill conceived wars. However, that too is a simplistic view, as difficult historical choices are all about (easily forgotten) context. The bottom line is that there was no repeat 9/11 attack on his watch or since. To Mr. Bush, I'm sure, that is his greatest legacy. Whether that can be contributed, in part, to the deterrence of America's strong show of military strength after 9/11 is something we will never be able to prove one way or another. We will certainly never know what would have been had we just taken the blow and responded in a minimalist fashion. Maybe it would have been much better. Maybe not.
Instead, we can acknowledge the limitations of human ability to really control our own destiny—and that is exactly the sentiment I see in the eyes of these portraits. These are Mr. Bush's portraits of others, but when I look in their eyes all I see are portraits of of himself.
5
Jack M.....doesn't the actual 9-11 attack count as an attack on the USA (while Bush-Cheney were asleep at the wheel ?
You seem to be under Jeb Bush's delusion that Dubya 'kept us safe'....except on Sept 11 2001 after spending the summer clearing brush in Crawford Texas while national security memorandums were screaming 'attack on US imminent'.
Sort of the way Dubya and Cheney kept America safe while driving the economy off an unregulated 2008 Wall Street cliff.
With 'safety' like that, who needs death, danger and catastrophe ?
You seem to be under Jeb Bush's delusion that Dubya 'kept us safe'....except on Sept 11 2001 after spending the summer clearing brush in Crawford Texas while national security memorandums were screaming 'attack on US imminent'.
Sort of the way Dubya and Cheney kept America safe while driving the economy off an unregulated 2008 Wall Street cliff.
With 'safety' like that, who needs death, danger and catastrophe ?
8
Liberals, have lost their art, humor, and depth. Once you were the proponents of shaded thinking, but now you no longer see grey. All that is left is a shrieking reflexive howl at anything and anyone related to the other side. Look at the comments here. All is black. Everyone on "that side" is all evil, all the time. There were no hard questions post 9/11. All you Monday morning quarterbacks knew exactly what to do. And you all feel free to judge those who had to make the hard decisions with the most simplistic, context-less microscope. Reflexive echo-chamber group-think is the sign of a movement in decline. It's also why you lost the election. Boring shrieking will always lose. You haven't learned that lesson yet.
2
This does not change things from the fact that ringer George W. Bush and a large part of President Cheney's cabinet should be in custody in The Hague, undergoing trials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Adjacent cells could be reserved for Putin and Erdogan.
5
Being no friend of "W" dubious stand, I have to give him his dues, the painting are not too bad, and some are pretty good. Too bad he didn't choose to be a painter...before embarking in a disastrous war...and causing untold pain and suffering, and all the killing, by invading a country under false pretenses. Do I have to plead guilty for not showing compassion for this man, by denying his redemption via a painting mode?
3
Redemption isn't an art, it's something that's earned. Bush was an awful president, so if he shows talent as an artist, perhaps he missed his calling.
2
And? So? Why even bother writing this?
One of the many problems in this country, is this tendency to take the truly abominable, unforgiveable, monstrous, the immoral and normalize it. With gov't officials, no close, honest examination is allowed. Given the many atrocities committed by the US, it would disrupt the empire to look too closely. So, W. has found redemption, whatever that's supposed to mean (actually, it doesn't man anything).
And so, just like Obama said that the "folks" who tortured "folks" were all patriots serving their country, I'm quite sure he sees W. the same way. O and W two guys in the tough, hard decision-world of President - and they stick together. Michelle and W. best buds. Swaying, hugging, laughing. W. getting a warm, snuggly welcome from Ellen DeGeneres... For many people in this country, famous and non, morality is malleable. War crimes aren't war crimes when the U.S. commits them. Let's look forward, not back.
All the insiders protect each other- whitewash the works. Maybe a wee dose of criticism is allowed, but essentially, all is forgiven. Or it's changed into "mistakes were made" - just well-intentioned errors that no one has to pay for. Whether it's W. or Obama, WJC, HWB, et al - torture, hospitals and children blown up by drones, sanctions that killed kids in Iraq, Katrina or Flint water etc. the immoral becomes a shrug. And folks, for the most part, in their Pavlovian way - just go along.
One of the many problems in this country, is this tendency to take the truly abominable, unforgiveable, monstrous, the immoral and normalize it. With gov't officials, no close, honest examination is allowed. Given the many atrocities committed by the US, it would disrupt the empire to look too closely. So, W. has found redemption, whatever that's supposed to mean (actually, it doesn't man anything).
And so, just like Obama said that the "folks" who tortured "folks" were all patriots serving their country, I'm quite sure he sees W. the same way. O and W two guys in the tough, hard decision-world of President - and they stick together. Michelle and W. best buds. Swaying, hugging, laughing. W. getting a warm, snuggly welcome from Ellen DeGeneres... For many people in this country, famous and non, morality is malleable. War crimes aren't war crimes when the U.S. commits them. Let's look forward, not back.
All the insiders protect each other- whitewash the works. Maybe a wee dose of criticism is allowed, but essentially, all is forgiven. Or it's changed into "mistakes were made" - just well-intentioned errors that no one has to pay for. Whether it's W. or Obama, WJC, HWB, et al - torture, hospitals and children blown up by drones, sanctions that killed kids in Iraq, Katrina or Flint water etc. the immoral becomes a shrug. And folks, for the most part, in their Pavlovian way - just go along.
5
Since I don't believe in coincidences, I find it very interesting that this book and former President Bush is in the news for his artistic achievements while the current president is pushing to defund the arts. As an artist, art educator and advocate, I'll weigh in with a shout out to Mr. Bush:
Good job, glad to see that you are personally embracing the arts and using your privilege to publish these portraits for the support of those less fortunate. Your portraits convey a warmth and understanding of color I never would have thought you capable of. I believe that people can change and I think that you have. I hope that your life's work continues to reflect this change for the better of all of us as we face these challenging times in our great country.
I did not support your policies as President but will support your work as an artist. If I hadn't lost my teaching job due to budget cuts, and had my private practice as a artist affected so drastically by the financial crisis of '08, I'd purchase a copy. But since I can't afford to at the moment, I hope that you will use your privilege and power to oppose the policies of the current president and help lead your party out of the swamp they have created.
Sincerely,
Karen La Du
Good job, glad to see that you are personally embracing the arts and using your privilege to publish these portraits for the support of those less fortunate. Your portraits convey a warmth and understanding of color I never would have thought you capable of. I believe that people can change and I think that you have. I hope that your life's work continues to reflect this change for the better of all of us as we face these challenging times in our great country.
I did not support your policies as President but will support your work as an artist. If I hadn't lost my teaching job due to budget cuts, and had my private practice as a artist affected so drastically by the financial crisis of '08, I'd purchase a copy. But since I can't afford to at the moment, I hope that you will use your privilege and power to oppose the policies of the current president and help lead your party out of the swamp they have created.
Sincerely,
Karen La Du
It's unfortunate that in an article about painting, we see how the view of so many Americans has become black and white. No nuance, no seeing beyond, just I'm for you or I'm against you, and nothing you can say or do will change my view. Hate seems to be at the center of a lot of people's feelings, and especially given our current government, maybe we should be trying to drown that out rather than cultivating it. You don't have to like the man to be civil. I'm a huge fan of the Obamas, and if they don't think GWB is the devil incarnate, neither do I.
1
Insightful and well-written, Ms. Swartz. Your restraint in describing your subject is commendable; it's much easier to lambast the former president, as many do in the comments here. Nevertheless, in regard to this particular former president, I think no-holds-barred criticism is entirely deserved. We should not draw further attention to his latest hobby, which serves only to rehabilitate his justifiably wretched reputation. The focus should remain on the terror he unleashed in the Middle East at the expense of our democracy.
5
He's still the tone deaf dolt who took the country to war in Iraq for no good reason other than he wanted to do it. He ruined multiple lives: the dead, their families, the mentally and physically wounded and their families, and the millions of Iraqis dead, wounded, families torn apart, homes destroyed, lives ruined.
He led destroyed the economy of the US which resulted in more "injured" Americans who will never recover from his utter stupidity.
I don't want to see his face and I don't want to hear about how he learned to paint nor do I want his book to be a "best seller." Rather than purchasing his book -- if people want to contribute to veterans -- give money to anyone of dozens of veterans organizations and show and vote to keep clowns like him out of office so we don't end up with thousands of more dead, wounded, and destroyed families both here and abroad.
He led destroyed the economy of the US which resulted in more "injured" Americans who will never recover from his utter stupidity.
I don't want to see his face and I don't want to hear about how he learned to paint nor do I want his book to be a "best seller." Rather than purchasing his book -- if people want to contribute to veterans -- give money to anyone of dozens of veterans organizations and show and vote to keep clowns like him out of office so we don't end up with thousands of more dead, wounded, and destroyed families both here and abroad.
5
The NYTimes is actually trying to rehabilitate the reputation of an American War Criminal.
Have you actually no shame at all?
Another example of how the US privatized corporate media system is so out of touch with the citizenry. It only stands to defend the corporations and the never-ending War Machine.
Have you actually no shame at all?
Another example of how the US privatized corporate media system is so out of touch with the citizenry. It only stands to defend the corporations and the never-ending War Machine.
8
While I admire W's fading into the sunset and occupying his time utilizing his creative (is it left or right, can never remember) brain, we can not gloss over his terrible decisions. It's great he's painting veterans but let's not forget that their would be no veterans without him and his stupid war.
4
He is just as bad of a painter as he was a president, but I respect him for donating the proceeds.
1
Though painting may have changed his view of the world, I'm afraid Mr. Bush is 4,000 American lives and a over trillion dollars too late. The history books will redeem neither himself nor his vice-president.
7
No matter whom he paints or what he says, George W Bush will always be an unreconstructed war-monger, who lied us into ruinous wars, crippling debt, and disgrace. His torture policies still bring disgrace to this once-great nation. He caused the death of hundreds of thousands, the wounding of millions, and a destabilized world that has brought misery to massive numbers of the world's humanity. He claims to be a Christian, but seems to understand just some of the Commandments. Moreover, he led this nation in a vindictive way, allowing the bigoted people around him to run wild with their barely masked hatred (anti-gay, anti-black), and he did so with a patent disregard for the basic humanity of ALL of our citizens, not just white straight Christians. Why, oh why, are people now rushing to his side to declare that his is a decent man? I have a longer memory then they do.
7
These attempts to normalize George W. Bush sicken me. He is a war criminal and he made our world a far more dangerous place than it was. He squandered an immense amount of goodwill shown to our country after the 911 attacks. He allowed torture (not enhanced interrogations) to be committed in the name of our country. He threw the gay community as red meat to his base. These things can not be forgiven or forgotten. He belongs in prison.
9
I want to push back against you and say that good people can make bad decisions, etc., etc., but yeah. On the torture issue alone he should, by US law, be pursuing his art in a prison cell.
Mr. Bush seems to have found his real talent only after leaving public life; Mr. Trump has yet to discover something he can do right.
Mr. Bush seems to have found his real talent only after leaving public life; Mr. Trump has yet to discover something he can do right.
1
Too bad this deep view of the world didn't happen sooner before hundreds of thousands of lives were lost and millions of refugees were created.
6
President Bush's paintings are shocking and unsettling because of their beautiful quality. How ridiculous is that? Maybe if he had not been painted as a monster in the media we would better understand his true self.
the media made him a monster? not the hundreds of thousands dead? not the millions of refugees? Not letting OBL slide to please his Saudi masters?
Right it as the media
Right it as the media
1
Almost every member of Congress voted to go into Iraq. Why isn't Joe Biden a monster, or John Kerry? Because the media does not make them out to be monsters.
Even a favorable review of George W. Bush's artistic talents had to include gratuitous swipes at Mr. Bush's presidency and character. Why? Must every story in The Times include anti- Republican bias even if the topic at hand is non-political? As a long time reader who happens to be independent, I am growing increasingly tired of The Times' unrelenting and blatant bias. Stick to the story and leave the political opinions to the editorial pages.
1
I hope George Bush is haunted with what he did for the rest of his life and beyond. This misbegotten ex-president deserves no redemption. Not now. Not ever.
8
All I can remember of George W. Bush was when he stepped into a room at the White House and called for an amendment to United States Constitution to forever outlaw gay marriage and cement second class status for me. That's all I ever will see in my mind.
6
Very witty guy, Mr. Bush. He gave us 9/11, the invasion of Afganistan, the invasion of Irak, the brilliant handling of Katrina in which he, like Brownie, did a helluva job, and very nearly a planetary slide over the economic precipice in the Fall of 2008. All of this was accompanied by gales of laughter that can still be heard. Unfortunately, the joke´s was and still is on us. The painting seems to have improved, but the laughs just won´t go away. Very witty guy, indeed.
12
George Bush is responsible for the deaths of about a million people, over 4000 of them American soldiers. And he still walks the streets a free man. Who cares about his paintings. Let him be responsible for those deaths and all the other destruction he caused. Why was he never brought to justice?
5
W has been "transformed" by art? He "understands" his subjects? This would be laughable if it weren't so morally outrageous. W has never, repeat never, been personally accountable for the deaths of ~ one million people. Ten years after 9/11, a reporter interviewed him and the students in the classroom where he was apprised that the second tower had been hit while the teacher read them a story about a goat. When asked about his reaction, he reiterated wanting to project calm to the nation. His next thought was "war." And he thought "war" until he left the white house. He can go on a charm offensive to transform his image but until he repents fully for the staggering cost of his actions, we should never forget and never absolve him of his direct responsibility and the moral burden that he steadfastly refuses to own up to.
5
A man whose self-righteous actions have led to the death, torture and misery of literally millions of people in the Middle East cannot be redeemed. As the mayhem continues and the bodies pile up we find some people trying to sugar-coat this deadly creator of havoc. Nauseating!
6
If Dubya had titled his book of paintings "Where are my legs?" I might believe he understood the depth of suffering and horror his incompetence inflicted on the world. But, he still insists that invading Iraq was the right decision and would do so again. So, clearly, he doesn't.
5
There may be another reason why W's paintings are so irresistible to professional critics: Saying that they hated W's politics but like his paintings allows them to display their professionalism and critical disinterestedness in evaluating the paintings on their merits as paintings--against charges that critics' judgments ARE motivated by whether they approve of the artist's politics or find the artist's personal background compelling.
1
Such snarky comments from the liberal set. 'W' is past news. Hope that he will 'confess' is ridiculous. He is who he is and one should take him as he is. He is a very decent human being who honestly thought people is the Middle East would rally around the chance to live in freedom and democracy. That they descended into conflict and retribution surprises no one with a knowledge of that sad region of the world. Sure, blame 'W' but continual chipping away of him hurts only the teller and I am sure breezes right by President Bush who relishes his new calling..
The opening of a mind and the deepening of sensibility are beautiful things! No matter how late, Mr. Bush's experience speaks to the value of a liberal - and liberal arts- education.
3
The tone of most of the comments, and virtually all of the NYT picks, is both ad hominem and oblivious to the disposition of the proceeds of the book sales, i.e. helping injured vets and their families. Whatever W's faults and consequences, does anyone recall another president engaging in personal efforts to address even part of them?
If President Bush was really concerned he could sign over a substantial part of his wealth to veteran causes . And work for people like President Carter has done. What was done was horrific and cannot be dialed back. Sorry, painting pictures in your mansion doesn't count.
2
It just seems a perverse title - A Commander-in-Chief's tribute to the very people he is responsible for maiming due to his cooked up justifications for sending them into harm's way. That "Mission Accomplished" banner speaks volumes with each passing day.
5
I was so disappointed in him as President, I could go on and on about this, but I also am happy for him that he has found an outlet. I should think that his quiet moments would be difficult. I won't forgive his actions, but if he can find some peace in painting then I am not so mean spirited as to deny him that.
2
George W. Bush deserves redemption because he's now painting portraits of fallen warriors? He's the one who was instrumental in sending our military to war in the Middle East under false pretenses. They died in battle because of him and his administration.
Painting portraits won't bring them back - and his artistic endeavors shouldn't redeem him in any way.
Painting portraits won't bring them back - and his artistic endeavors shouldn't redeem him in any way.
4
I can't get excited about a retired president's self-involved art projects.
For decades we've watched former President Jimmy Carter working with Habitat for Humanity's low-cost housing for the poor.
His Carter Center, reaching nearly 100 countries including the developing world.
Conflict resolution, the peace process, monitoring elections, wide ranging agricultural initiatives to address poverty/hunger in Africa, his world wide efforts to eradicate diseases afflicting the poorest of the poor--many are preventable diseases.
Carter helped reduce Guinea worm disease by almost 100%. As important as wiping out polio. Helped eradicate liver blindness, malaria, and trachoma in tropical zones. Kind, generous, dangerous humanitarian work.
Nah, painting is like spending all your time in the library reading day after day, where you enrich yourself in a totally solitary activity. Sorry, W.
For decades we've watched former President Jimmy Carter working with Habitat for Humanity's low-cost housing for the poor.
His Carter Center, reaching nearly 100 countries including the developing world.
Conflict resolution, the peace process, monitoring elections, wide ranging agricultural initiatives to address poverty/hunger in Africa, his world wide efforts to eradicate diseases afflicting the poorest of the poor--many are preventable diseases.
Carter helped reduce Guinea worm disease by almost 100%. As important as wiping out polio. Helped eradicate liver blindness, malaria, and trachoma in tropical zones. Kind, generous, dangerous humanitarian work.
Nah, painting is like spending all your time in the library reading day after day, where you enrich yourself in a totally solitary activity. Sorry, W.
5
The Bible says "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone", but it's hard to resist in the case of w. So many lives lost so heedlessly in a war that should never have taken place.
3
There are some sins that are beyond redemption. W's Presidency is one of them.
18
Those are some venomous comments.
Yes, the war was terrible and the tragedy
of lives lost deeply disturbing. I met
President Bush and Laura at a White House
celebration. I hold a memory of a
warm and gracious man. He is making
amens.
Yes, the war was terrible and the tragedy
of lives lost deeply disturbing. I met
President Bush and Laura at a White House
celebration. I hold a memory of a
warm and gracious man. He is making
amens.
2
the war was not a tragedy, the war was treason.
I understand many of history's monsters were just charming and even loved dogs- their victims aren't impressed
I understand many of history's monsters were just charming and even loved dogs- their victims aren't impressed
3
Too bad he didn't go to the Art Students League rather than Yale. The world would be a much safer place and he would be remembered as an uninspired painter rather than as the cause of so much death and destruction.
7
There is no redemption for what W did and the consequences of his actions that are still being felt by millions every day, particularly in Iraq. Shame on him for exploiting the people in this country who paid the price for his folly.
8
I went to Vietnam. Bush's daddy got him a position in the Texas Air National Guard. He flew jets around Texas protecting us from Oklahoma and Mexico. He then deserted. No one has any records that he completed his obligation.
Every Bush Boy was given a fortune. Bush's daddy got him into the oil business and he couldn't find oil in an oil can. Some Texas oil man!
So they set him up with the Texas Rangers and he uses the profits from the illegal sale of his failed Texas oil company, insider trading, to buy equity in the Rangers. He then sells the stock he bought for a piddling amount for $15,000,000.
Classic example of a person born on third base who thinks he hit a triple.
If his last name had not been Bush he would have been lucky to be driving Shiner Bock beer truck in Abilene Texas.
So they stuff him in the Texas Governor's Mansion and then he slides into the White House. He is reading books upside down to children on 9/11 when the attack occurs.
He sends his troops into Afghanistan and Iraq without body armor. Thousands killed and tens of thousands maimed. Go visit a VA hospital and see the men and women walking around on their stumps.
Fifteen years later we are still there. Some Commander in Chief. Doofus in Chief is a better title.
He deregulates the banks and tens of millions lose their life savings.
And now he paints to sooth his conscience and he donates the proceeds to charity.
Some story.
Every Bush Boy was given a fortune. Bush's daddy got him into the oil business and he couldn't find oil in an oil can. Some Texas oil man!
So they set him up with the Texas Rangers and he uses the profits from the illegal sale of his failed Texas oil company, insider trading, to buy equity in the Rangers. He then sells the stock he bought for a piddling amount for $15,000,000.
Classic example of a person born on third base who thinks he hit a triple.
If his last name had not been Bush he would have been lucky to be driving Shiner Bock beer truck in Abilene Texas.
So they stuff him in the Texas Governor's Mansion and then he slides into the White House. He is reading books upside down to children on 9/11 when the attack occurs.
He sends his troops into Afghanistan and Iraq without body armor. Thousands killed and tens of thousands maimed. Go visit a VA hospital and see the men and women walking around on their stumps.
Fifteen years later we are still there. Some Commander in Chief. Doofus in Chief is a better title.
He deregulates the banks and tens of millions lose their life savings.
And now he paints to sooth his conscience and he donates the proceeds to charity.
Some story.
9
I didn't think Bush was a good president, but never regarded him as stupid or boorish, merely ill-equipped for the job. I don't think his problems would have been solved by being put in touch with a few, good, ordinary people: he needed a new staff and advisors.
The painting is unexpected, but not shocking. I also have no problem imagining Obama square dancing and doing ranch work.
Some of us have a few too many clichés in our heads about people. We also, unfortunately, overestimate the power of art.
The painting is unexpected, but not shocking. I also have no problem imagining Obama square dancing and doing ranch work.
Some of us have a few too many clichés in our heads about people. We also, unfortunately, overestimate the power of art.
1
How quaint.
It is impossible, utterly & completely impossible, to not hold George W. Bush 110% responsible for the horrors that are now in control of our White House. The hatred of innocent Muslims, the horrific & renewed White Supremacy "Power," and the digging in against Planned Parenthood sit at the doorstep of George W Bush. It would be more laudable (by far) if George W.Bush get out of his bed at the crack of dawn everyday that he has left, and head off to the Veterans Hospitals. He could soothe the agonies (physical, emotional & mental) of the men & women whom he placed in harm's way. George W. Bush could be a true Christian, and then give comfort to his victims.
Redemption is fully defined as recognition of one's sins, and that sinful person's acts of humanity, courage, and sacrifice that seek to earn forgiveness and amends. Somehow, George W. Bush's book of paintings just doesn't cut it.
It is impossible, utterly & completely impossible, to not hold George W. Bush 110% responsible for the horrors that are now in control of our White House. The hatred of innocent Muslims, the horrific & renewed White Supremacy "Power," and the digging in against Planned Parenthood sit at the doorstep of George W Bush. It would be more laudable (by far) if George W.Bush get out of his bed at the crack of dawn everyday that he has left, and head off to the Veterans Hospitals. He could soothe the agonies (physical, emotional & mental) of the men & women whom he placed in harm's way. George W. Bush could be a true Christian, and then give comfort to his victims.
Redemption is fully defined as recognition of one's sins, and that sinful person's acts of humanity, courage, and sacrifice that seek to earn forgiveness and amends. Somehow, George W. Bush's book of paintings just doesn't cut it.
8
He started a war that killed over 100,000 people but now by producing ugly paintings of some of the survivors he’s supposed to be redeemed? How incredibly perverse. Up next, Stalin's Songs of Siberia--haunting, compassionate, a side of Stalin we've never seen before. “We all thought he was a murderous philistine, but really he’s an amazing composer.”
8
How fortunate we are, W's toxic presidency seems to only have a half life of 8 years. And all our outrage has been diverted to that on the job trainee still getting his feet wet in American politics. And as far as the art work goes, we all paint a self portrait in our life to carry with us all our days, a picture that is said to be worth a thousand words, and his was smartly absent from this attempt to humanize what amounts to exposed fuel in the core.
1
Hey, Caravagio was a pederast, murderer, and thief. Folks talk about what a trashy person he was. His painting stands apart from his action in life. These painting are good. It's possible to do great evil and make great art. It's possible W may get lucky and be remembered for his art in spite of his political actions.
Proof positive that this country either cannot or will not learn from the past. George Bush and the cabal that spilled blood, squandered the nation's treasure, and destabilized the middle east should be in prison. There they could paint or write poetry with other felons.
5
As valid as Ms. Swartz's observation are regarding W.'s painting skill, her piece should have delved into another aspect of him: his acts while President that cost so many lives, limbs and loves due to his mental blindness. If painting is his form of mea culpa, there aren't enough oils and canvases for him to fill.
2
He was a terrific president in some ways; not terrific in others. The vitriol of most commenters is truly sad. I'm happy to see his contributions to our country continue.
1
There are shades here of McNamara who attempted at redemption for his actions during the Vietnam debacle with a book. I didn't forgive him, not should anyone, including my son, forgive Bush his swaggering orchestration of a war that has left the Middle East in ruin. He can't paint his way out of that.
6
Mr bush should paint truthful paintings. Like one that has a large black hole in the center with dollars bills swirling around in a toilet fashion. Or one with bulldozers attacking houses and neighborhoods with families living in them. People on rooftops as water prevents them from escaping. Or the monopoly man staring in disbelief as bank windfall in his favor: collect 50 billion. One can only imagine but I am guessing that his Iraq series of paintings would be a blank stare from a blank canvas.
2
Earlier this month at a weekend in Kenedy, TX, friends gave this book to a man who had served as a battlefield chaplain in WWII and was wounded. So I had the opportunity to spend an hour with "Portraits of Courage". I was deeply moved the paintings and accompanying stories. What President Bush has done is consistent with how he interacts with and honors men & women who served in our military. It reflects his compassion and empathy. Ignore the cynical and begrudging aspects of the review by critic Mimi Swartz.
Dubya, Rumsfeld and Cheney should be doing watercolors behind bars in The Hague. Over a hundred thousand (if not hundreds of thousands) of people died unnecessarily because of this man. In addition he squandered the stature and the goodwill towards our country that was earned by men like my grandfather in WWII.
The only thing allowing us to have anything remotely like rose colored glasses when it comes to the legacy of this man is the unmitigated disaster currently infesting the white house. But redemption? No, not a chance.
The only thing allowing us to have anything remotely like rose colored glasses when it comes to the legacy of this man is the unmitigated disaster currently infesting the white house. But redemption? No, not a chance.
6
After more than six decades standing in museums on two continents and looking at paintings and other art works, I look at the painting by W and feel sure if he'd never been president, I would have been spared seeing any of them.
3
I disagreed with Mr. Bush on many things, but I always believed him to be a patriot, unlike the present occupant of the oval office. But he did get some things right, including immigration policy, aids drugs for Africa, the idea that todays extremists are a perversion of Islam. It looks as if he gets painting right, also!
2
"If they'd only gotten to him sooner."
I agree wholeheartedly with the last sentence. Somehow, maybe Bush wouldn't have set the Middle East ablaze with his ginned-up invasion of Iraq, a conflagration that has consumed millions of lives, an avaricious and mercenary fire that still burns today; and maybe impart some life to the hollow, catatonic, and empty stare of his subjects' eyes. But then again, maybe they are Bush's eyes looking out upon all he has wrought.
No, I can't forgive him nor Cheney, nor that Neocon cabal for what they did.
I agree wholeheartedly with the last sentence. Somehow, maybe Bush wouldn't have set the Middle East ablaze with his ginned-up invasion of Iraq, a conflagration that has consumed millions of lives, an avaricious and mercenary fire that still burns today; and maybe impart some life to the hollow, catatonic, and empty stare of his subjects' eyes. But then again, maybe they are Bush's eyes looking out upon all he has wrought.
No, I can't forgive him nor Cheney, nor that Neocon cabal for what they did.
5
I had the pleasure of breaking bread at a senior living facility in Santa Fe New Mexico with my partner's father, an eminent anthropologist, and his dining partner, the eminent painter "James Havard". Reading this article about the newly minted artist "George W. Bush" I couldn't help but wonder if "James Havard" wasn't the original influence for the turn of occupation of our former president. At those two few but wondrous dinners the dapper Mr. Havard regaled us with stories of his salad days carousing with George W. Bush.
I can't help but wish that the young GWB had allowed himself to follow in the steps of this early muse…. the world would be a completely different place.
I can't help but wish that the young GWB had allowed himself to follow in the steps of this early muse…. the world would be a completely different place.
1
Of all the horrifying things I've read in the news already this morning, this is the most sickening. This bumbling, heartless fool squandered the good will of nearly the entire world and, on a cruel hubristic whim, plunged the Middle East into chaos and destroyed the American economy, and now we're admiring his innocent childlike paintings of people whose lives he ruined.
12
I too felt dismissive of W. as a artist and wanted to dismiss him. I was unhappy with his presidency, the war, Cheney, and had some pretty harsh opinions regarding his character. However, over the years a more three dimensional version of him emerged. His family, his wife and girls, seemed like people I'd like to know. His paintings had something to do with that too- I like them, and surprisingly to me, I like him too.
2
Those who come to art because they are naturally able to reproduce likeness will never really know the healing properties of other's efforts to capture by eye and hand that which is beyond them.
Earth, without art is just Eh.
Earth, without art is just Eh.
2
Good one. Maybe that should be our slogan as we try to convince Congress and the Department of "Education" not to take away art.
2
Type of criticism like "If he hadn't sent them, he wouldn't need to paint them" are legitimate. I despised W when he was in office. I have come to realize that no man is beneath redemption. W cannot undo his past, so what would you all have him do? These paintings might help him and others. It is better than nothing and a good start.
Just remember all presidents have grotesque errors in judgement, character and hubris. Some have ones that cause great harm (LBJ- Vietnam). Some not so much (Carter- Iran Hostage). I shudder to think of what Trumps grotesque errors will be.
Just remember all presidents have grotesque errors in judgement, character and hubris. Some have ones that cause great harm (LBJ- Vietnam). Some not so much (Carter- Iran Hostage). I shudder to think of what Trumps grotesque errors will be.
5
If this is some sublimated attempt by GW Bush to show contrition for the unnecessary harm he has caused, not merely to American veterans but to the world, I’m encouraged, but not much. Although a person should be forgiven of their sins if they show they understand they did wrong and provide a sincere apology, I have yet to see that of Bush.
The fruits of the unnecessary (WMD or not) war in Iraq are: millions of dead & injured in body & mind, ongoing horrific instability in the Middle East, ISIS, a refugee crisis spilling into Europe & America, and trillions of our tax dollars wasted.
Unnecessary war is immoral. War, except as last resort self-defense or necessary defense of innocent others, is ethically equivalent to international murder, the culpability for which lies with those making the decisions, not soldiers under orders. This applies to Iraq & other “wars of choice”.
The main problem with unnecessary war is that even if the intentions of such a war are genuinely good (though they're usually dubious) and even if it "works" (though they're usually counter-productive), we are left in the dangerous position of having provided confirmation to the whole world that evil means can achieve good ends, without knowing whether untried good means might have done as well or better. And then what?
The fruits of the unnecessary (WMD or not) war in Iraq are: millions of dead & injured in body & mind, ongoing horrific instability in the Middle East, ISIS, a refugee crisis spilling into Europe & America, and trillions of our tax dollars wasted.
Unnecessary war is immoral. War, except as last resort self-defense or necessary defense of innocent others, is ethically equivalent to international murder, the culpability for which lies with those making the decisions, not soldiers under orders. This applies to Iraq & other “wars of choice”.
The main problem with unnecessary war is that even if the intentions of such a war are genuinely good (though they're usually dubious) and even if it "works" (though they're usually counter-productive), we are left in the dangerous position of having provided confirmation to the whole world that evil means can achieve good ends, without knowing whether untried good means might have done as well or better. And then what?
6
A tale of two men:
One was a bad artist who eventually had to settle for starting wars of aggression instead.
The other started wars of aggression first, and then became a bad artist.
One was a bad artist who eventually had to settle for starting wars of aggression instead.
The other started wars of aggression first, and then became a bad artist.
5
Too bad he wasn't as intellectually curious about the foundations of becoming a competent president as he now apparently is about his new passion.
I think there is "something" in his paintings, but how he comported himself as president will always be irredeemable in my eyes.
He was a faux-swaggering, proudly ignorant nincompoop who had no business being president.
And no, he doesn't look better in the rear view mirror because of Trump's complete unfitness for the job. In his own special way, Bush was an unmitigated catastrophe as president that has no equal in our history.
I think there is "something" in his paintings, but how he comported himself as president will always be irredeemable in my eyes.
He was a faux-swaggering, proudly ignorant nincompoop who had no business being president.
And no, he doesn't look better in the rear view mirror because of Trump's complete unfitness for the job. In his own special way, Bush was an unmitigated catastrophe as president that has no equal in our history.
4
His paintings are a revelation to me. I was confounded and angry during his presidency, and it is a privilege and pleasure to be able to see him in this different light, along with his paintings. They are full of humanity, depth and beauty. I think (hope) he peeked at some Alice Neel along the way too.
3
A wonderful President, with the ethics that the Clintons are so severely lacking in. If only art had reached the Clintons sooner. I will always remember what the Bush presidency did for my community and the empathy he displayed.
2
Ask dead Iraqi children about Bush's Mission Accomplished "ethics".
1
What we have, here, is yet another step in the "Maybe Dubya Weren't So Bad" meme that's a growing subset of anti-Trumpists.
Thing to remember, folks: Trump's election victory was, according to the rules, much more decisive than Bush's 2000 win. This despite Trump behaving far less conventionally, on the campaign, than W, and such a comparison shows that fewer voters proportionally were willing to take a chance on W than they were on Trump.
I'd argue that it isn't W who's "seeking redemption;" instead it's those who, trying to rationalize their antipathy towards the incumbent President, are finally learning to see in W what his supporters have always known for years
Thing to remember, folks: Trump's election victory was, according to the rules, much more decisive than Bush's 2000 win. This despite Trump behaving far less conventionally, on the campaign, than W, and such a comparison shows that fewer voters proportionally were willing to take a chance on W than they were on Trump.
I'd argue that it isn't W who's "seeking redemption;" instead it's those who, trying to rationalize their antipathy towards the incumbent President, are finally learning to see in W what his supporters have always known for years
4
As a Democrat who was deeply opposed to the catastrophic war Bush set in motion whose appalling geopolitical consequences are with us today. But I was disappointed in the last sentence of this otherwise quite interesting and thoughtful review. The author can't resist getting a dig in as if the whole and only point if the article was to get to this snarky statement lest we think the reviewer had drunk some sort of political koolaid. and in the process only takes away from what she has to offer us here.
3
We really need to stop the rehabilitation of George W. Bush's image. One of our faults as a nation is our sentimentality- our habit of looking backward at the past and casting a rosy glow upon it- softening the edges, mitigating the hardships and the tragedies, and implying 'maybe it wasn't so bad'.
Well, it was. Were it not for the bombastic idiocy of our current West Wing occupant, George W. Bush would rightly be remembered as one of the worst Presidents we've had. It's fine for him to paint, they're honestly not bad, but let's not forget that these wounded soldiers would not be wounded in this way had he not pushed for the catastrophic misadventure in Iraq.
My generation and the next will spend the majority of our adulthood digging out from the economic collapse propagated on his watch. Maybe I take it personally, as I am an artist too- a painter- and finally secured gallery representation in the fall of 2008 after years of study and effort. The economic collapse killed off that gallery, and sent me back to square one after a decade of work.
So, yes, I know from experience that art can be cathartic and personally insightful. But I, and many other Americans, cannot paint our way out of the messes we've inherited.
Well, it was. Were it not for the bombastic idiocy of our current West Wing occupant, George W. Bush would rightly be remembered as one of the worst Presidents we've had. It's fine for him to paint, they're honestly not bad, but let's not forget that these wounded soldiers would not be wounded in this way had he not pushed for the catastrophic misadventure in Iraq.
My generation and the next will spend the majority of our adulthood digging out from the economic collapse propagated on his watch. Maybe I take it personally, as I am an artist too- a painter- and finally secured gallery representation in the fall of 2008 after years of study and effort. The economic collapse killed off that gallery, and sent me back to square one after a decade of work.
So, yes, I know from experience that art can be cathartic and personally insightful. But I, and many other Americans, cannot paint our way out of the messes we've inherited.
8
LBJ really messed up when it came to the Vietnam War. The Vietnamese on both sides of the war and American veterans who fought in the war can speak for themselves. For me, as an American who was not in the military, he was forgivable mainly because of his civil rights achievements and those photographs showing how he struggled to bear the burdens and anguish of his responsibilities.
I've been unhappy with W over the fact that he seemed to age too well in office and the lack of any counterpart, so far as I could see, to those photographs of LBJ. But these paintings, and the look and demeanor of both W and his wife at the opening ceremonies for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, do seem redemptive to me. (I'm about as sure as I can be, at a distance, that Kanye West was wrong about Bush and race. Bush was always good on race, and I think that was the real W at those ceremonies.)
You'd think we Texans would be better at war. Perhaps wise advisors and wise legislative leadership are always essential. And Presidents to some degree are going to reflect the current state of the country when it comes to war and peace. But still.
I've been unhappy with W over the fact that he seemed to age too well in office and the lack of any counterpart, so far as I could see, to those photographs of LBJ. But these paintings, and the look and demeanor of both W and his wife at the opening ceremonies for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, do seem redemptive to me. (I'm about as sure as I can be, at a distance, that Kanye West was wrong about Bush and race. Bush was always good on race, and I think that was the real W at those ceremonies.)
You'd think we Texans would be better at war. Perhaps wise advisors and wise legislative leadership are always essential. And Presidents to some degree are going to reflect the current state of the country when it comes to war and peace. But still.
6
Remember to call W as a witness when it comes to Republican attempts to gut the National Endowment of the Arts. Those veterans he paints get NEA grants to help them cope with ptsd and other physical and mental disabilities brought on by useless war.
These comments, incidentally, all rehash his sins, giving him no credit for some kind of redemptive awakening through art. Now we know what can happen when a life of privilege thoroughly destroys the psyche.
Art works!
These comments, incidentally, all rehash his sins, giving him no credit for some kind of redemptive awakening through art. Now we know what can happen when a life of privilege thoroughly destroys the psyche.
Art works!
5
I'm no fan of George W Bush and, at most, I might ameliorate my judgement of him as our worst President ever, present President excepted. Rather than list his bumbles, stumbles, and even criminally incompetent actions that sank our economy and killed thousands of Americans (and others), I'd rather hint that in his last 2 years, GWB recognized that he had been betrayed by most of those he, and his father, trusted most. Of course, that's Cheney and Rumsfeld as well as their followers.
But unlike Donald Trump, I don't think GWB lacks sympathy or empathy for the people he meets, unlike Trump, who puts on a mask of heartiness and takes it off as soon as the person is gone. Bush's problem was not seeing how his policies and action as President affected those people. Unlike Trump, I don't think Bush has a racist or bigoted bone in his body (odd for a Republican and many Democrats) and managed to tamp down, even suppress the far-Right's antipathy to immigrants, legal and otherwise.
Though he's only hinted and even joked about it, I think GWB has become more and more cognizant of his errors and even dreadful, deadly decisions as POTUS. Even were Trump to be impeached, indicted, charged and convicted to maximum security, he would never, EVER acknowledge that one single thing he did was wrong, evil, illegal, self-serving, or that the judgement of him by others was fair.
The paintings are kind of interesting, but kind of 50s'ish, though they do have some power.
But unlike Donald Trump, I don't think GWB lacks sympathy or empathy for the people he meets, unlike Trump, who puts on a mask of heartiness and takes it off as soon as the person is gone. Bush's problem was not seeing how his policies and action as President affected those people. Unlike Trump, I don't think Bush has a racist or bigoted bone in his body (odd for a Republican and many Democrats) and managed to tamp down, even suppress the far-Right's antipathy to immigrants, legal and otherwise.
Though he's only hinted and even joked about it, I think GWB has become more and more cognizant of his errors and even dreadful, deadly decisions as POTUS. Even were Trump to be impeached, indicted, charged and convicted to maximum security, he would never, EVER acknowledge that one single thing he did was wrong, evil, illegal, self-serving, or that the judgement of him by others was fair.
The paintings are kind of interesting, but kind of 50s'ish, though they do have some power.
6
Very well said. GWB is sort of rich privilege personified- he doesn't necessarily mean badly, but he doesn't really think things through and sort of stumbles through decisions and is easily led. I agree that he probably did figure out eventually that people he had trusted had used him, and probably does feel some remorse. Unlike Trump, who is pretty frankly a sociopath, and really doesn't care who he hurts, as long as it makes him happy. He'll never feel remorse of any kind because he's not intrinsically capable of it. GWB is a weak and flawed man. Trump is a monster.
1
The negativity of these comments contrasting with the recognition of artistic competency in the article neglects the detail that it was we, the electorate, that chose W not once, but twice, warts and all. Now we have made a further choice, and from the comments current, it would seem we do not know our own selves.
Perhaps Dante knew us better with his singular address
Perhaps Dante knew us better with his singular address
6
What this does is demean those painters of genuine skill and perception, muddying the discourse of what are and what are not the acceptable practical and perceptual skill levels necessary to represent an art that is about accurate representation and psychological expression.
I don't feel Bush has carried portraiture beyond the stage where his portraits of others look a little too like himself. However, there is always somebody willing to praise the productions of the powerful.
I don't feel Bush has carried portraiture beyond the stage where his portraits of others look a little too like himself. However, there is always somebody willing to praise the productions of the powerful.
2
"If they had only gotten to him sooner". Yes, but: beyond the vision of any one president, there is good reason that historically, law from prior years gets tweaked, not upended. No one leader appreciates all the needs, all the lives or passions of our large and complicated country. This is why **respect for America requires respect for major prior law** - rather than ending it for any current leadership. Even when given vision, all leaders always understand primarily only their own agenda.
My feelings toward a mellowed George W. Bush are much the same as toward people who were violent anti-war protesters in their youth, only to settle down in middle age, court respectability, and even exploit their notoriety writing sensible opinion pieces.
I believe in repentance and redemption, but not in a facile progress from burnt-out recklessness to bland agreeableness.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
I believe in repentance and redemption, but not in a facile progress from burnt-out recklessness to bland agreeableness.
http://thefamilyproperty.blogspot.jp/
1
Considering how often Bush painted the U.S. into a corner during his execrable administration, his current hobby seems oddly appropriate. At least he's not posting inane lies to twitter every day like a soon to be ex-president I could mention.
7
Gary Gilmore, the man whose execution in 1977 opened the floodgates to executions in the USA, was a very talented artist. That did not earn him any redemption.
19
I'm a huge baseball fan, and I've always loathed the former Commissioner Bud Selig. The biggest two reasons why: his willingness to destroy, pointlessly as it turned out, the 1994 season in deference to a few hardline owners, and his unwillingness just a year or two before to cede his "interim" commissionership, which lasted another two decades, to the principal owner of the Texas Rangers, George W. Bush.
Bush, you see, loved (and I would guess still loves) the game not as a businessman, but as a fan. I am certain he would have been an excellent steward of one of America's greatest institutions, almost definitely avoiding the '94 strike and probably including more a more decisive and constructive response to the PED crisis which Selig so badly botched.
Instead, he went into politics, and concluded one of the most materially, morally and fiscally damaging presidencies we've ever seen. I don't believe he's the all-time worst, but given how much stronger the presidency was in his time than that of Buchanan or Harding, I think he did the most harm. (So far.)
I do not believe, as I did 10 or 12 years ago, that he's an evil man. His conduct since leaving office has been admirable. And he shows, to my untrained eye at least, real insight, skill and compassion as an artist.
I'm glad he has this comfort and interest as his life winds down. But history will not forget all the harm done along the way.
Bush, you see, loved (and I would guess still loves) the game not as a businessman, but as a fan. I am certain he would have been an excellent steward of one of America's greatest institutions, almost definitely avoiding the '94 strike and probably including more a more decisive and constructive response to the PED crisis which Selig so badly botched.
Instead, he went into politics, and concluded one of the most materially, morally and fiscally damaging presidencies we've ever seen. I don't believe he's the all-time worst, but given how much stronger the presidency was in his time than that of Buchanan or Harding, I think he did the most harm. (So far.)
I do not believe, as I did 10 or 12 years ago, that he's an evil man. His conduct since leaving office has been admirable. And he shows, to my untrained eye at least, real insight, skill and compassion as an artist.
I'm glad he has this comfort and interest as his life winds down. But history will not forget all the harm done along the way.
3
I was convinced GWB would go down as the worst president in US history. The Iraq War was (is!) an unmitigated disaster. Hundreds of thousands of innocents killed. Millions displaced. Ethnic minority communities devastated. Thousands of American troops and other coalition forces killed or maimed. New generation of traumatized vets. Focus diverted from Afghanistan (which turned into a quagmire of its own). Over a trillion dollars wasted. Massive increase in debt. War crimes. Moral authority eroded. Iran influence increased. You can draw a straight line from the 2003 invasion to the rise of ISIS.
His tax cuts? Fiscally reckless. Increased wealth gap between wealthy and middle class. The expansion of Medicare was totally unfunded. No Child turned out pretty much a joke. Demonization of gays. War against women's health. Two conservatives to SCOTUS. Did his policies contribute to the Recession? ...I can't imagine they helped.
I mean, how do you outdo that? You'd have to elect a megalomaniac proto-fascist tyrant bent on upending the American government and entire world order.
Except for the Civil War, the 21st Century is shaping up to be the darkest chapter in country's history. I can only imagine what future Americans and scholars will say. I do know they won't be talking about GWB's paintings, except, perhaps, as the perfect coda—a punchline—to his presidency.
His tax cuts? Fiscally reckless. Increased wealth gap between wealthy and middle class. The expansion of Medicare was totally unfunded. No Child turned out pretty much a joke. Demonization of gays. War against women's health. Two conservatives to SCOTUS. Did his policies contribute to the Recession? ...I can't imagine they helped.
I mean, how do you outdo that? You'd have to elect a megalomaniac proto-fascist tyrant bent on upending the American government and entire world order.
Except for the Civil War, the 21st Century is shaping up to be the darkest chapter in country's history. I can only imagine what future Americans and scholars will say. I do know they won't be talking about GWB's paintings, except, perhaps, as the perfect coda—a punchline—to his presidency.
2
I think everyone is surprised when they see W.'s paintings.
The sensitivity manifested in the paintings is in stark contrast to the Top Gun, Machismo from his faux carrier landing. The stage craft and fake patriotism was syrupy and baseless ("mission not accomplished"). How insensitive to to wrap yourself in the flag while others are dying based on your command and your manufactured intelligence.
It is nice to see that W. has grown up. It is also nice to see he has some awareness (though he will never fully appreciate the magnitude of his failure) as to the consequences of his incompetence. I only wish he would have realized that he lacked the experience, temperment and competence to be President before he ran.
I will say this for W. He is not a racist and I do believe he is a genuinely good human being who buckled under the weight of the job and made horrible decisions that he thought were right. I suspect that W. is disgusted by Donald Trump just as his father is. But if one person has benefited from the Trump Presidency, it is W. In comparison to Donald, W. was a world-class president and humanitarian. I never thought I would see a president as bad as W. in my lifetime. And yet, we have the Donald - man who used money from his charitable foundation to have a painting done of himself. That pretty much says it all.
The sensitivity manifested in the paintings is in stark contrast to the Top Gun, Machismo from his faux carrier landing. The stage craft and fake patriotism was syrupy and baseless ("mission not accomplished"). How insensitive to to wrap yourself in the flag while others are dying based on your command and your manufactured intelligence.
It is nice to see that W. has grown up. It is also nice to see he has some awareness (though he will never fully appreciate the magnitude of his failure) as to the consequences of his incompetence. I only wish he would have realized that he lacked the experience, temperment and competence to be President before he ran.
I will say this for W. He is not a racist and I do believe he is a genuinely good human being who buckled under the weight of the job and made horrible decisions that he thought were right. I suspect that W. is disgusted by Donald Trump just as his father is. But if one person has benefited from the Trump Presidency, it is W. In comparison to Donald, W. was a world-class president and humanitarian. I never thought I would see a president as bad as W. in my lifetime. And yet, we have the Donald - man who used money from his charitable foundation to have a painting done of himself. That pretty much says it all.
Ms. Swartz mentions that Bush relies on photographs. But then the critical question then becomes, “Who took the photographs?”
At least for Bush’s portraits of world leaders, I have always suspected that other people, mainly press photographers, took most if not all of the photographs.
I never heard of W whipping out an IPhone to capture his own shots of a dignitary during a state visit. After all, we are told Bush was an artistic late bloomer, and didn’t think about art back then.
If portraitist Bush did rely on photographs taken by others, those photographers had already done much of the creative heavy lifting for him. They were the ones who captured the poses, the gestures, and revealing facial expressions that are the basis for Bush’s portraits -- for which he now gets credit.
I don’t know whether Bush gives those photographers credit in his book. I hope so.
Ms. Swartz never raises this important issue of artistic authorship. She praises Bush’s wonderful brush strokes and application of paint, but never questions who took the photographs of the world leaders, or whether Bush is now actually taking the photos of the veterans he now paints.
But by dodging the question of authorship, Swartz falls right in line with the historic role of the mainstream press during Bush’s presidency -- never questioning who was actually behind Bush’s actions, and never probing the extent to which the man was actually in charge.
At least for Bush’s portraits of world leaders, I have always suspected that other people, mainly press photographers, took most if not all of the photographs.
I never heard of W whipping out an IPhone to capture his own shots of a dignitary during a state visit. After all, we are told Bush was an artistic late bloomer, and didn’t think about art back then.
If portraitist Bush did rely on photographs taken by others, those photographers had already done much of the creative heavy lifting for him. They were the ones who captured the poses, the gestures, and revealing facial expressions that are the basis for Bush’s portraits -- for which he now gets credit.
I don’t know whether Bush gives those photographers credit in his book. I hope so.
Ms. Swartz never raises this important issue of artistic authorship. She praises Bush’s wonderful brush strokes and application of paint, but never questions who took the photographs of the world leaders, or whether Bush is now actually taking the photos of the veterans he now paints.
But by dodging the question of authorship, Swartz falls right in line with the historic role of the mainstream press during Bush’s presidency -- never questioning who was actually behind Bush’s actions, and never probing the extent to which the man was actually in charge.
4
I don't think that George W. Bush is seeking redemption. I think that he is seeking peace. His paintings seem more of a search for the recognition of the humanity in others that his administration failed to see.
Bush was a bad President but he wasn't ever a bad man; just one too easily persuaded to poor decisions by his apparent disengagement and poor, self-serving advisors.
Remembering his famous statement about looking into Vladimir Putin's soul, I would like to see President Bush paint a new portrait of Putin given today's understanding of that soulless individual.
Bush was a bad President but he wasn't ever a bad man; just one too easily persuaded to poor decisions by his apparent disengagement and poor, self-serving advisors.
Remembering his famous statement about looking into Vladimir Putin's soul, I would like to see President Bush paint a new portrait of Putin given today's understanding of that soulless individual.
162
If you lie a country into a war, and approve of torture, you are in fact a "bad man."
4
Where is there peace for the people of Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria from the deadly legacy of George W. Bush's quest for the Presidency of the United States?
Bush is no longer President. And President Trump has nothing but love and kisses for his beloved boyfriend puppet master ventriloquist Vladimir Putin.
Bush is no longer President. And President Trump has nothing but love and kisses for his beloved boyfriend puppet master ventriloquist Vladimir Putin.
2
Leave it to The Times. They can't even say anything nice about President Bush without sneering and insults.
And you wonder why the rest of America hates you.
And you wonder why the rest of America hates you.
1
Regardless of his talent as an artist, he still completely and utterly destroyed the postwar world order for absolutely ZERO gain for the US and the rest of us. So I should think he's getting off lightly with just insults and sneering. To be fair, I saw and interview of the bloke recently and it almost seemed that there was a glimmer of contrition, a hint of regret over what happened directly after 9-11.
4
War criminals usually do not inspire "nice" things said about them. That is what he will always be to me.
2
C. Wolfe,
This article is about George W. Bush, artist. Art, not politics, not Trump.
This article is about George W. Bush, artist. Art, not politics, not Trump.
1
If the article was truly about the art, the artist and the art would be appearing at the art show at the local mall. It is in the Times precisely because Bush is a major political figure.
2
@ Cheryl B Messerli New Orleans “This article is about George W Bush, artist. Art, not politics, not Trump.”
Conservatoids have become excellent at ignoring inconvenient facts, truths that make them uncomfortable or that get in the way of accomplishing their ends.
But those facts, no matter how elided or ignored, remain facts.
The George W Bush who now fancies himself an artist is the very same George W Bush whose arrogant fecklessness and refusal to take seriously the dire warnings of his own briefers allowed 20 radical Islamist murderers (see, we can say it, too!) to slaughter, utterly unimpeded, 3000 Americans and others on 9/11 – and then had the temerity to abuse that very tragedy to send our country to engage in another series of atrocities in an illegal, misbegotten, and devastatingly stupid war, the consequences of which will be visited upon the whole world for generations to come.
Literally millions of people have had their lives grievously disrupted or lost their lives, and many more will continue to do so for decades to come, because of this one man's ignorance, lack of judgement, ineptitude, misguided machismo, bloodthirsty boorishness, and general imbecility.
We’re not going to ignore all that for anyone’s comfort.
Conservatoids have become excellent at ignoring inconvenient facts, truths that make them uncomfortable or that get in the way of accomplishing their ends.
But those facts, no matter how elided or ignored, remain facts.
The George W Bush who now fancies himself an artist is the very same George W Bush whose arrogant fecklessness and refusal to take seriously the dire warnings of his own briefers allowed 20 radical Islamist murderers (see, we can say it, too!) to slaughter, utterly unimpeded, 3000 Americans and others on 9/11 – and then had the temerity to abuse that very tragedy to send our country to engage in another series of atrocities in an illegal, misbegotten, and devastatingly stupid war, the consequences of which will be visited upon the whole world for generations to come.
Literally millions of people have had their lives grievously disrupted or lost their lives, and many more will continue to do so for decades to come, because of this one man's ignorance, lack of judgement, ineptitude, misguided machismo, bloodthirsty boorishness, and general imbecility.
We’re not going to ignore all that for anyone’s comfort.
2
"Despite his years at Yale and Harvard, he always remained the West Texas rich kid who would be proud to confuse Picasso with Pizarro."
Bush was born in Connecticut and schooled at Philips Andover like his father before him, not St Mark's in Dallas. I guess the act fooled you, too.
Anyway, I hope his painting is a comfort the survivors of the folks his incompetence and bloodlust killed.
Bush was born in Connecticut and schooled at Philips Andover like his father before him, not St Mark's in Dallas. I guess the act fooled you, too.
Anyway, I hope his painting is a comfort the survivors of the folks his incompetence and bloodlust killed.
10
Trump makes Bush look like Winston Churchill
6
I wonder if he has the courage to pain the grief on the faces of innocent Iraqi civilians whose parents and siblings were killed in his" Mission Accomplished"; who continue to suffer life-long disabilities without medical care; who lost their only bread-winning member of the family... I could go on. That might be another partial redemption.
8
Paint, not pain. Sorry for the typo.
Charming. Only in the Unites States of Central North America and North Korea can a rich kid be forgiven for killing hundreds of thousands if not millions through art therapy! The priveledge of oligarchy, having the New York Times rehab your sorry a__. One of the reasons we are living with a madman: Bush and Cheney should have been prosecuted for who they were, criminals. And now there is no law. Trump says he is above the law and congress is above the law, re Judge Garland. There are people above the law in the US of CNA. Your myth is dead.
17
George W. Bush probably still has no clue as to the degree of human misery that he and his cronies unleashed by reacting in precisely the wrong manner to the 9/11 attacks. There is nothing cute or warm and fuzzy about him. He, Dick Cheney et al. are war criminals and were it not for the treasonous buffoon currently in the White house, GWB would come to have been known as the worst president in history.
His hypocritical tribute to "warriors" may sooth his conscience, but is little comfort to those many millions whose lives were damaged and destroyed by his reckless abuses of power.
His hypocritical tribute to "warriors" may sooth his conscience, but is little comfort to those many millions whose lives were damaged and destroyed by his reckless abuses of power.
8
Artists (painters, dancers, writers, musicians, performers) are part of the freelance economy. They are self employed and most barely get by. The most pressing issue for artists is the lack of health insurance. Most artists go without. The ACA certainly helped in that area, and many artists were finally able to go to the doctor. As the repeal of the ACA moves forward, Mr. Bush could advocate for his newly found community. Most artists are smart, creative and welcoming people. They would be happy to have Mr. Bush as a voice for their community. With the impeding loss of the ACA and funding for the arts, those of us in creative endeavors need someone to let the country know that the arts and the artists are valuable members of our society.
5
This is a valuable review. It not only highlights Bush's skills as a painter, but also turns a harsh spotlight on those who cannot separate their opinion of his artistic talents from their opinion of his politics. The idea that artistic talent and "progressive, liberal, and anti-war political views are somehow fundamentally associated, on an almost biological level, is ridiculous. Who is to say that Attila the Hun couldn't draw well. This is a reflection of the ideological bubble that many "progressives" live in, and helped set the stage for the outcome of the recent presidential election.
6
I am struck by how much these portraits have a kind of vacant look that is familiar to us as how George Bush looks. He sees himself in these people and he shows empathy that was hidden, or perhaps overshadowed by circumstances, in his presidency.
3
And if only art and music were still part of school curriculums from preschool on.
8
Ms. Swartz, George Bush is a complex man. The history of his presidency is writ large to be condemned before or after being debated. The arc of his life has been tragic. May God grant him peace.
Even a monkey can learn to paint. When you've got more ill-gotten money than God, you can hire painting teachers. When you've got all the time in the world, you can practice practice practice. But you can never give back the lives you took and the lies you told. What's next, Dick Cheney's pottery wipes away his history of lies, torture and murder?
16
Sometimes, redemption isn't possible. Does he acknowledge that many "wounded warriors" (to say nothing of the dead Americans and Iraqis!) are wounded because of his horrendous presidency? Hundreds of thousands, no - millions of people - have suffered because of this man. No, I will never forgive him for what he did to us all. Never.
19
No forgiveness for W, no matter how much his book makes. I doubt the parents of the soldiers he killed will forgive him either.
19
George W. Bush: " I paint now. It makes me feel better."
Hundreds of thousands of innocent people killed because of his lying us into war: "We're still dead."
He should be painting in prison. Right next to his cohorts like Cheney, Rumsfeld, and the rest of the lot.
One more article trying to normalize Bush. As bad or worse than trying to normalize the current Village Idiot in the Oval Office.
Hundreds of thousands of innocent people killed because of his lying us into war: "We're still dead."
He should be painting in prison. Right next to his cohorts like Cheney, Rumsfeld, and the rest of the lot.
One more article trying to normalize Bush. As bad or worse than trying to normalize the current Village Idiot in the Oval Office.
28
This is downright creepy, but not surprising, consider that Texas Monthly worships rich folks in Texas, even when these inheritors of their wealth are none too bright. To quote Ms. Swartz: "Despite his years at Yale and Harvard, he always remained the West Texas rich kid who would be proud to confuse Picasso with Pizarro. (You’d get whupped in Midland if you didn’t.)" Uh, no, you'd flunk your school test, Ms. Swartz.
Mr. Bush was a terrible president, a clueless stooge for war mongers with lies about weapons of mass destruction that led to war for profit's sake and caused the deaths of nearly 7,000 U.S. soldiers and a $6 trillion (and counting) price tag. The bored rich, unrepentant ex-president picks up a paintbrush to amuse himself, and he's redeemed in the eyes of Ms. Swartz? What would the families of all those brave soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, who died in Iraq and Afghanistan think about your silly prattling, Ms. Swartz? Shame on you.
Mr. Bush was a terrible president, a clueless stooge for war mongers with lies about weapons of mass destruction that led to war for profit's sake and caused the deaths of nearly 7,000 U.S. soldiers and a $6 trillion (and counting) price tag. The bored rich, unrepentant ex-president picks up a paintbrush to amuse himself, and he's redeemed in the eyes of Ms. Swartz? What would the families of all those brave soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas, who died in Iraq and Afghanistan think about your silly prattling, Ms. Swartz? Shame on you.
4
Every was fine in this piece...except for the last line...cheap shot...
Mr Bush' talent as a painter is in the eye of the beholder. His failures as president are in the history books. It's surprising that among the lists of presidential rankings that he shows up ahead of the Filmore's, Andrew Johnson's, etal. The damage he did when the stakes were so high earn him the undisputed title of "worst ever".
4
This review of W's talent is what you call choking on your own apologia. Mimi needs to remember if in the end you're going to say something nice, it's not de riguer to say something sarcastic.
Want to see an example of liberal hypocrisy, read Mr. Saltz's quote: "“When I first saw his paintings, I was sure I would hate them,” Mr. Saltz told CNN, but he found in them “something innocent, sincere, earnest, almost childlike.”
That "endorsement", such as it is, certainly does not apply to his own craft.
Want to see an example of liberal hypocrisy, read Mr. Saltz's quote: "“When I first saw his paintings, I was sure I would hate them,” Mr. Saltz told CNN, but he found in them “something innocent, sincere, earnest, almost childlike.”
That "endorsement", such as it is, certainly does not apply to his own craft.
3
Excellent piece, fair and balanced, as they say. One quibble, and maybe it's just me: I have absolutely no problem imagining Barak Obama trying his hand (or feet) at a do-si-do or clearing brush. Why exactly do you see those as a stretch?
1
This would have been a touching column, but Mimi just couldn't resist a jab at the end. Thus reveals the chasm between the elites and the masses. BTW - it would have been nice for Schwartz to have read the linked article below. Contrary to popular (elitist) opinion, President Bush was an avid reader of substantial literature. One might even compare his zeal for reading with Obama's zeal for constantly playing golf.
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/deadlineusa/2008/...
https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/deadlineusa/2008/...
There's a line from Billy Wilder's "The Fortune Cookie" spoken by the shyster lawyer, Whiplash Willie, about Abe Lincoln: "Great president, lousy lawyer."
It can now be said about President Bush: "Lousy president, decent painter."
It can now be said about President Bush: "Lousy president, decent painter."
1
Sedrick - please consider the current potus your charge . Perhaps dt learning to paint could change the current US course and save us from a bleak future.
1
Sorry, I cannot forget or forgive the pain and suffering caused by GWB and his administration. To Americans. To the world. His unnecessary invasion of Iraq and the mishandling of it led to ISIS and the political mess we are in today.
12
Good painter. Bad President.
3
Never forget. No WMD's, Countless lives lost or destroyed in Iraq. The loss of American credibility throughout the world. The disgrace of Katrina. THE FINANCIAL CRISIS. Are you kidding? This is just another PR rehab that huge wealth can buy.
10
Another shameful waste of space by your publication. The writer, editors and publisher should hang their heads in shame. Where is yoir atonement? Do you think that helping to attempt to rehabilitate this man somehow reduces your complicity? How could his silly hobby ever redeem the lives, indeed, nations, destroyed by this simplr minded man?
4
To note the obvious, George W. Bush is a much better painter than he was a president.
And he's not that good of a painter.
And he's not that good of a painter.
11
I didn’t vote for or even like George W. I particularly didn’t like the way the Supreme Court appointed him to the presidency. I knew his arguments for going to war in Iraq were false—even deliberate lies. I didn’t like the way he ducked out of service; first getting a coveted assignment in the Texas Air National Guard, then ducking out of that. I knew he was a victim of Cheney and Rumsfeld. He was never my president.
Then, he went to Iraq and then someone from the Iraqi press corps threw a shoe at him. He adroitly ducked—both shoes—as if he knew they were coming; but he didn’t break stride and continued the press conference.
That insult pissed me off; I could dislike W. but not hosts from another country. From those few months left in his presidency, he was my presi-dent.
Once, at a press conference, he praised a report-er on his sartorial appearance. The next reporter apologized for his appearance complaining that the president had called such a hasty conference that he couldn’t get his best suit.
George W. replied (and you have to get the dia-lect), “Th’ain’t even a suit.” (The reporter was wearing khaki trousers, white shirt, tie and suit coat.) He had a sense of humor that people missed.
Finally, the gracious way he and his wife greeted the Obama’s and stayed quite during the eight years of the Obama presidency revealed some of that Southern respectfulness that I discovered stationed in Texas. The fact that he’s a sensitive painter is not really surprising.
Then, he went to Iraq and then someone from the Iraqi press corps threw a shoe at him. He adroitly ducked—both shoes—as if he knew they were coming; but he didn’t break stride and continued the press conference.
That insult pissed me off; I could dislike W. but not hosts from another country. From those few months left in his presidency, he was my presi-dent.
Once, at a press conference, he praised a report-er on his sartorial appearance. The next reporter apologized for his appearance complaining that the president had called such a hasty conference that he couldn’t get his best suit.
George W. replied (and you have to get the dia-lect), “Th’ain’t even a suit.” (The reporter was wearing khaki trousers, white shirt, tie and suit coat.) He had a sense of humor that people missed.
Finally, the gracious way he and his wife greeted the Obama’s and stayed quite during the eight years of the Obama presidency revealed some of that Southern respectfulness that I discovered stationed in Texas. The fact that he’s a sensitive painter is not really surprising.
3
George W. Bush's paintings are interesting to consider in the same way that John W. Gacy's clown paintings are.
18
And Ted Bundy's watercolors.
12
"Fair and balanced" NYTimes is making me ill.
So soon after the twisted "How Liberal Colleges Breed Conservative Firebrands" op-ed; it's getting downright insulting.
So soon after the twisted "How Liberal Colleges Breed Conservative Firebrands" op-ed; it's getting downright insulting.
4
Nuance....Now there's a thought. Too bad he hadn't become a painter BEFORE he became President.
11
How about some nice portraits of Katrina victims,Iraqis children and our
soldiers in bodybags. This has to be at this time in America 's history the worst fluff piece I have ever seen. We have lost our collective mind.
soldiers in bodybags. This has to be at this time in America 's history the worst fluff piece I have ever seen. We have lost our collective mind.
4
Mr. Bush's experience should be a testament to why creating or at least appreciating art is important in everyone's life, and shouldn't be dismissed as only the realm of the elite or the seemingly-talented few. Keep art and art-appreciation in our schools, at every level.
1
All the paintings he can muster won't bring back all the soldiers and civilians killed in his unnecessary Iraqi war.
4
Maybe he should paint portraits of those who died in Hurricane Katrina.
2
W has so much blood on his hands, how can he hold a paint brush? At least Cheney doesn't even try to pretend. Fluff pieces like this just make me angry all over again.
4
I stand by my CURRENT President, who told us all at the debates that W LIED us into Iraq. That he KNEW that WMD was a LIE and sent thousands of kids to die and even more to lose their arms and legs to IEDs.
Our CURRENT President should keep his word and hold W responsible for his lies if he believes they were lies.
Perhaps W should paint Iraq veteran amputees and headstones ... or is that too hard for him to stomach ?
Our CURRENT President should keep his word and hold W responsible for his lies if he believes they were lies.
Perhaps W should paint Iraq veteran amputees and headstones ... or is that too hard for him to stomach ?
2
He should paint his body of work from 2003-2008: coffins and headstones.
4
George W. Bush is one of the world's worst war criminals. He and Cheney tricked America into a war of aggression, a war that killed hundreds of thousands in the shock and awe campaign, all to steal Iraqi oil and kill another country's leader.
He destabilized the entire Middle East, and the lives of the little children who are being destroyed are on his shoulders. I would list Cheney in the last sentence but it is obvious that he has no soul, like other great criminals as Kissinger.
No, Bush doesn't get to be anything but a murdering thug who killed many but is able to hide behind American legal mumbo jumbo.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
He destabilized the entire Middle East, and the lives of the little children who are being destroyed are on his shoulders. I would list Cheney in the last sentence but it is obvious that he has no soul, like other great criminals as Kissinger.
No, Bush doesn't get to be anything but a murdering thug who killed many but is able to hide behind American legal mumbo jumbo.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene Oregon
4
Like his presidency, his paintings are awful.
1
Narcissism brought the Iraq war on us and now sublimation has imposed this book on us. Any questions about W's intelligence?
1
This is a kind article, and the "W" paintings that accompany it are thickly experimental, alert, interesting.
So I hate to be unkind ... but what the heck.
If we've now moved into the realm of art and fantasy, let's imagine an even bigger story.
Dick Cheney fronts a rock band name Oil. Donald Rumsfeld joins the cast of an off-Broadway play and portrays a shivering, repentant old man who has lost his wife and children, and is about to die.
Then some agent (Wolfowitz?) has this great idea, and he flies these (anti-Muslim, chickenhawk, Republican, gray-haired) guys to DC, to perform for Trump, Bannon, Miller, Pruitt, Sessions, and Tillerson.
It's a revelation. Wow! a room full of rich, militant GOP white guys who want to start a new Crusade against the evil Muslim hordes. There's a lot of chemistry. Sparks fly.
But wait. Over here's this vet, see, whose friend was blown up by an IED in Mosul, and this other vet, a weird old guy, whose company perished on Hamburger Hill, at the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail. THEY ALSO FORM A ROCK BAND.
So everybody agrees to stage a round of golf (carts allowed, caddies required). The vets lose, but viewers love them. They get a TV contract.
Wow!
Note: Yes, there are a few women in this story, but they're all background singers.
So I hate to be unkind ... but what the heck.
If we've now moved into the realm of art and fantasy, let's imagine an even bigger story.
Dick Cheney fronts a rock band name Oil. Donald Rumsfeld joins the cast of an off-Broadway play and portrays a shivering, repentant old man who has lost his wife and children, and is about to die.
Then some agent (Wolfowitz?) has this great idea, and he flies these (anti-Muslim, chickenhawk, Republican, gray-haired) guys to DC, to perform for Trump, Bannon, Miller, Pruitt, Sessions, and Tillerson.
It's a revelation. Wow! a room full of rich, militant GOP white guys who want to start a new Crusade against the evil Muslim hordes. There's a lot of chemistry. Sparks fly.
But wait. Over here's this vet, see, whose friend was blown up by an IED in Mosul, and this other vet, a weird old guy, whose company perished on Hamburger Hill, at the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail. THEY ALSO FORM A ROCK BAND.
So everybody agrees to stage a round of golf (carts allowed, caddies required). The vets lose, but viewers love them. They get a TV contract.
Wow!
Note: Yes, there are a few women in this story, but they're all background singers.
2
It is absolutely appalling that Ms. Swartz and others are lauding former President George W. Bush for his artistic pretensions and mediocre paintings. Lest we forget, Bush and his cronies Condoleeza Rice, Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, et. al. are directly responsible for the 2003 Iraq war which was completely unjustified and totally unnecessary.
Bush created the disaster which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries, trillions of dollars in wasted treasure, and the destruction of society and physical infrastructure of the Middle East.
Bush turned to painting to mimic Winston Churchill, and perhaps he fancies himself a great leader and statesman of Churchill's stature. Bush and his cronies should be tried in the Hague for crimes against humanity. Instead he gets plaudits from the New York Times for his sensitive renditions of service men and women whose bodies and lives he has destroyed. Adolf Hitler thought himself an artist too.
Bush created the disaster which has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries, trillions of dollars in wasted treasure, and the destruction of society and physical infrastructure of the Middle East.
Bush turned to painting to mimic Winston Churchill, and perhaps he fancies himself a great leader and statesman of Churchill's stature. Bush and his cronies should be tried in the Hague for crimes against humanity. Instead he gets plaudits from the New York Times for his sensitive renditions of service men and women whose bodies and lives he has destroyed. Adolf Hitler thought himself an artist too.
8
Donald Trump is the greatest thing that ever happened to George W. Bush.
17
I have seen former President Bush in interviews; witty, charming, self deprecating. Then I remember him saying "Mission accomplished" the smug look on his face or callously quipping at a black-tie event for radio and television journalists in Washington on Wednesday night, (March 22, 2004) as a slide shows him leaning to look under a piece of furniture. "Those weapons of mass destruction have got to be here somewhere," he told the audience, drawing applause.
Another slide showed him peering into another part of the office, "Nope, no weapons over there," he said, laughing. "Maybe under here," he said, as a third slide was shown.
John Kerr said the joke displayed a "stunningly cavalier" attitude.
"If George Bush thinks his deceptive rationale for going to war is a laughing matter, then he's even more out of touch than we thought. Unfortunately for the president, this is not a joke." Guardian 3/24/04
His mother, Barbara Bush stating in an interview with Good Morning America "Why should we hear about body bags and death? I mean, it's not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?" 3/18/2003
I feel nothing but loathing and disgust for this morally bankrupt family. His "art" does not redeem him nor deny his despicable legacy. He and trump are vile stains on America's history along with slavery, Vietnam and the Japanese internment. His art won't negate his heinous past. We will not forget. Charles Manson is an artist too. Is his art just as redemptive?
Another slide showed him peering into another part of the office, "Nope, no weapons over there," he said, laughing. "Maybe under here," he said, as a third slide was shown.
John Kerr said the joke displayed a "stunningly cavalier" attitude.
"If George Bush thinks his deceptive rationale for going to war is a laughing matter, then he's even more out of touch than we thought. Unfortunately for the president, this is not a joke." Guardian 3/24/04
His mother, Barbara Bush stating in an interview with Good Morning America "Why should we hear about body bags and death? I mean, it's not relevant. So why should I waste my beautiful mind on something like that?" 3/18/2003
I feel nothing but loathing and disgust for this morally bankrupt family. His "art" does not redeem him nor deny his despicable legacy. He and trump are vile stains on America's history along with slavery, Vietnam and the Japanese internment. His art won't negate his heinous past. We will not forget. Charles Manson is an artist too. Is his art just as redemptive?
13
All the paint in Texas cannot cover up the lost lives, the grief of
loved ones, or the betrayal of a President.
loved ones, or the betrayal of a President.
7
How very nice, but as a result of his actions thousands of Americans and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis will not be spending their autumn days painting portraits and sipping wine.
12
His art ain't bad. Big deal.
In no way can George Bush's painting possibly refloat a character who lied a nation into a war that killed at least 175,000 people, cost the US $3 Trillion, and destabilized the entire Middle East. His administration even used a propaganda team - the White House Iraq Group - to sell the illegal war like a Walmart widget:
"From a marketing point of view, you don't introduce new products in August." - Bush's Chief of Staff
In no way can George Bush's painting possibly refloat a character who lied a nation into a war that killed at least 175,000 people, cost the US $3 Trillion, and destabilized the entire Middle East. His administration even used a propaganda team - the White House Iraq Group - to sell the illegal war like a Walmart widget:
"From a marketing point of view, you don't introduce new products in August." - Bush's Chief of Staff
7
That's not counting all the soldiers who survived with a limb or two missing or PTSD or both to fight in a real war for fake reasons. AS disgusting as Trump is Bush is still the king of pain.
1
It's too bad for too mnay that he hadn't discovered and embraced his inner-artist as a youngster and avoided trying to fill Daddy's shoes. I wonder if he ever dares to lift the cover on his own Dorian Gray portrait in the attic.
3
Pssss...let me clue you in; ANY former president has a leg up on doing ANYTHING; I assume his memoir "Decision Points" had a healthy pre-publication price tag whether it was Shakespearean or "Mad Magazine" in it's context.
As for "painting"? Too bad he didn't start painting earlier in his career. Like another artist, in another time, in another country (Germany, 1920's) the rest of the world would have been spared a lot of pain if both men had been allowed to become artists.
Otherwise, I'll be happy looking at "street art" and graffiti, thank you.
As for "painting"? Too bad he didn't start painting earlier in his career. Like another artist, in another time, in another country (Germany, 1920's) the rest of the world would have been spared a lot of pain if both men had been allowed to become artists.
Otherwise, I'll be happy looking at "street art" and graffiti, thank you.
2
Bush was always a very good man. He proved that over and over after he left office. No ego what so ever. He stayed out of politics after he was out of politics. In short, he kept his mouth shut, as all presidents should do!
You didn't like his policies so you didn't like him, which was a childish attitude. I didn't like his policies, and I didn't like some of the people he had in his cabinet, including his VP but I always liked George Bush the person. Bush has millions of real genuine friends......He doesn't need you.
You didn't like his policies so you didn't like him, which was a childish attitude. I didn't like his policies, and I didn't like some of the people he had in his cabinet, including his VP but I always liked George Bush the person. Bush has millions of real genuine friends......He doesn't need you.
5
He's always been a good frat boy. Heard he is great at key parties.
1
If he really wants to change the way he see's the world he should go on a painting tour of the middle east and then publish a book showing the pain he inflected on the world.
6
This war criminal should be painting his portraits from inside a federal prison
18
This is obscene, really. A man whose folly and lies caused thousands upon thousands of deaths and countless injuries now gets to indulge in his past time and even be lauded for it by art critics who should know better. Redemption--are you kidding me? This alone is an example of the gross injustice and unfairness in American life. In a nation of overcrowded jails, this privileged man, guilty of crimes against humanity, is free. Who knows but that, among the injured veterans, there were any who aspired to be painters themselves but lost their sight?
Also, you have to wonder about the critics like Schjedahl--at their best, these paintings are at the level of average coffee house decor, full of easy, obvious, and superficial expressiveness. Now, a joint exhibition of works by Hitler and Bush? That would be something! The Art of Murder.
Also, you have to wonder about the critics like Schjedahl--at their best, these paintings are at the level of average coffee house decor, full of easy, obvious, and superficial expressiveness. Now, a joint exhibition of works by Hitler and Bush? That would be something! The Art of Murder.
9
There are legions of good and great artists who would have made terrible presidents, among them Picasso, Gauguin, and Pollock. And so Dubbya is turning out to be a good painter. Good for him.
2
Redemption will not come until he acknowledges what he did, and the price paid by American service men, women, their families, and the multitudes of Iraqi lives destroyed.
12
George W. Bush is no longer the worst president the same way Robert Durst is no longer the worst New York real estate heir.
19
It's a shame "W" didn't take up "Audio" instead of "Visual" art for expressing his redemption. He might have been better at capturing the screams of the tortured or the cries of the orphans he caused with his "oil war".
4
I wonder what my son would think of this "art", but he died in Iraq.
92
Mr. Bush met with a number of smart and talented people as he developed his interest in painting. I wish he'd met such smart folks instead of Dick Cheney way back in 2000. The world might have not found Bush the painter, but would have been a better place today.
12
Holy comeli, W. is a good painter. I like his work.
2
They *are* good, these 2 pictures. Very.
3
Here's a thought: What if it wasn't the process of learning art that brought out this depth of worldview; what if there were hints to this depth to President Bush all along? After all, wasn't it been President Bush who in 2003 initiated PEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS relief, and whose efforts post-presidency (alongside his wife) have been quietly working to battle the AIDS epidemic? Even his critics agree that millions (especially in Africa) have been provided with antiretroviral medication they otherwise would not have received.
And wasn't it former President Bush whose friendship with former first lady Michelle Obama was recently highlighted by the press? And wasn't it President Bush who, in his memoir, prayed for Peter Jennings at Pope John Paul's funeral?
Maybe these are simply isolated events - anomalies in an otherwise unsophisticated landscape. Or maybe there is a little more depth to the monochromatic caricature that so easily fits the narrative. Perhaps his paintings help us to peer into - dare I say it - a complex man.
And wasn't it former President Bush whose friendship with former first lady Michelle Obama was recently highlighted by the press? And wasn't it President Bush who, in his memoir, prayed for Peter Jennings at Pope John Paul's funeral?
Maybe these are simply isolated events - anomalies in an otherwise unsophisticated landscape. Or maybe there is a little more depth to the monochromatic caricature that so easily fits the narrative. Perhaps his paintings help us to peer into - dare I say it - a complex man.
15
Indeed, it is mindless presumption to think that W does not carry pain within for the lives given in war and suffering. Perhaps, and with hope, his painting gathers this into words and verbal expression. Even those who condemn him know that none of us are the ones to throw the first stones. There are never enough stones for throwing.
he started two wars with no end game and crashed the economy on his way out. praying for peter Jennings? give me a break.
1
The paintings are fantastic. I can acknowledge and appreciate that as a liberal. Maybe a small step toward a more unified country is for me to refrain from expressing the snipe that so easily floats around in my brain. Good job, George Bush.
23
In true GWB fashion, we get the word "misunderestimating" in this piece.
Ah yes, if we could only return to a time of educated, civil discourse!
Ah yes, if we could only return to a time of educated, civil discourse!
7
Only in a highly indoctrinated state like the United States of Amnesia could the very worst president in history (Trump will soon grab this unfortunate mantle) ooze forth with his God-awful 'art' and insult the many he sent off to war to satisfy his Texas machismo. If he is painting this garbage to relieve his guilt he should really stop and find a shrink.
20
I wonder what the painter Bush would say about Mr. Trump's proposed budget pipe dream zeroing out the National Endowment for the Arts.
19
I was going to give a sarcastic Bush commentary - you know, nice guy, terrible President.
But Ms.Swartz hit on a few sentences that are transformative: "Ms. Norfleet wrought a change in Mr. Bush's worldview. He began to see the colors even in shadows, the subtle shifts of palette in a clear blue sky."
I noticed the same when my daughter was learning to paint in high school. She was taught to break down what she saw into components; to reproduce the pieces that made the whole. Just watching her learn did the same for me.
Sometimes, the very act of breaking down the big picture - not just seeing the trees for the forest, but seeing the how the light shifts on the bark and leaves, forces you to look more closely at reality.
And looking at reality, seeing it for what it is, and assembling the big picture from the chiaroscuro of light and shadow, of colors and line that make up form, we actually learn to see things differently.
What a resounding argument for why we want to keep art along with science in our educations.
But Ms.Swartz hit on a few sentences that are transformative: "Ms. Norfleet wrought a change in Mr. Bush's worldview. He began to see the colors even in shadows, the subtle shifts of palette in a clear blue sky."
I noticed the same when my daughter was learning to paint in high school. She was taught to break down what she saw into components; to reproduce the pieces that made the whole. Just watching her learn did the same for me.
Sometimes, the very act of breaking down the big picture - not just seeing the trees for the forest, but seeing the how the light shifts on the bark and leaves, forces you to look more closely at reality.
And looking at reality, seeing it for what it is, and assembling the big picture from the chiaroscuro of light and shadow, of colors and line that make up form, we actually learn to see things differently.
What a resounding argument for why we want to keep art along with science in our educations.
35
The last sentence in the letter above echoes my thoughts while reading the article. Teaching art in public schools has the potential for maintaining civil society. The skill of detecting subtleties in shadows and traces of light where we least expect it comes from learning to look and look again. "Re-seeing" one might say, or quite literally, RESPECT.
Your comments are so well put. Thanks.
from this piece we learn that even those who commit untold crimes against humanity can get a pass because they can smear some paint on a canvas.
1
Sorry, there is no redemption for presidents that lie a country into a costly war, create a global terrorist organization and commit war crimes. W belongs in prison, where he could paint by numbers behind bars.
29
I read this article twice, thinking I must have missed something the first time through. But I still found no basis for the assumption that George W. Bush has been "transformed," as the author concludes. So he can paint . . . and has some empathy for his subjects. No apologies, responsibility or accountability for the thousands killed and maimed and tortured as a result of his lies and deception. Perhaps the subjects of his next "book"?
14
Would his painting be considered so positively or even considered at all ifhe hadn't been president???
I doubt it. Go to you nearest gallery and see.
Also, tone is an amatuer's painting term. The three professional/academic terms used are hue, value, and intensity.
I doubt it. Go to you nearest gallery and see.
Also, tone is an amatuer's painting term. The three professional/academic terms used are hue, value, and intensity.
9
As an artist I could be constantly angry and on some days am, at the thought that if I had backing or prominence or power, I could have my works out there and be making a fantastic living making art. But alas that is not the case, so I continue to do what fills my soul when I can and hope that the beauty that I have been able to share with the world on a small scale makes a difference. I know I have made a difference in many students' lives as an art educator. I just can't be angry at this man any more given what we are up against with the person who is in the White house now.
And yes, I totally agree with your last statement.
And yes, I totally agree with your last statement.
You're right. These paintings would only be seen by very few people if they weren't done by an ex president. But, you can't expect him to know the professional terms for the intricacies of painting, since he is and always will be an amateur. His paintings appeal, however little, lie in the naivite of his effort and their only hope for any kind of acceptance by anyone who "sees" art, will be in the realm of outsider art.
I just take exception to the last statement, "If only they'd gotten to him sooner", implying that the ability to appreciate art, or create art, somehow makes a person compassionate or otherwise transformed. I'll remind you that Hitler was a far better painter than virtually any world leader has ever been. Art is art. Politics is politics.
17
@Jason, to me the closing line has nothing to do with Bush's personal moral journey, but rather an ironic "if only" ... he had taken up art instead of another profession.
Why is George getting a pass at Afghanistan? He and Cheney started that mess also. The Saudis were more implicated than the Afghanis, but he protected them and tried to show righteous indignation in Afghanistan. Mired us in war
there also, with the many dead and maimed on both sides, civilians included.
He carries such a huge burder of deaths on his soul. Some good painting, can't,
won't wipe the slate of the sum of his horrors.
there also, with the many dead and maimed on both sides, civilians included.
He carries such a huge burder of deaths on his soul. Some good painting, can't,
won't wipe the slate of the sum of his horrors.
18
True - practically everyone recognizes the disaster of the Iraq war, but people might think that the invasion of Afghanistan was justified at the beginning. They forget that our target should have been the capture of Bin Laden and his team - instead we ignored them and focused on overthrowing the Taliban, replacing them with - what? The Taliban were and are terrible, but they weren't our national enemy - an attack focused on Bin Laden, probably with no involvement of any Afghan war-lords, could well have been successful. An intelligent diplomatic effort could well have been successful. We chose the route of regime change and an attempt to reinvent Afghanistan - bad choice.
1
After all the lives destroyed by war and economic havoc that is W's legacy, forgive us for overlooking "his warmth and wit". I'm sure the worlds jails are overflowing with such.
20
They are absolutely beautiful, everyone needs a second chance.
With Donald Trump Presidency this is a perfect time for Mr. Bush for a redemption.
Mr. Bush was never a racist, never had any criticism for President Obama Nor he criticized any Religion.
The gentleman is 70 years of age just like Donald Trump, I could not help myself to see the sharp contrast between the two.
And now W is connected the the hip with Mrs. Obama.
With Donald Trump Presidency this is a perfect time for Mr. Bush for a redemption.
Mr. Bush was never a racist, never had any criticism for President Obama Nor he criticized any Religion.
The gentleman is 70 years of age just like Donald Trump, I could not help myself to see the sharp contrast between the two.
And now W is connected the the hip with Mrs. Obama.
21
Agreed. I just submitted a response similar to yours. ( I am just reading them all now). W's horrors are unforgivable, but people can change and if this change can be achieved through artistic introspection, then let's hear it for the power of the arts. I wish we could have "A Day Without Artists" ...Theatres would go dark, museums would close, wealthy people wouldn't have their designers making their homes ready for Architectural Digest, (why they wouldn't even have homes as architects are artists), etc, etc.
1
The dead children of Iraq do not get a second chance.
1
His work makes me tear up at the thought of all the deaths and destruction he and Cheney wreaked on mankind during their 8-year reign of false bravado and lies. He is seeking inner peace through painting, but has not apologized to the world for his misdeeds. It's still all about him.
45
Having been an ardent opponent of President Bush throughout his two terms, a component of that opposition having been his apparent anti-intellectualism and lack of curiosity, this treatment of his search for meaning and skill through portraiture comes as a pleasant surprise.
I vividly recall the half-joking photos of Mr. Bush with the heading "Do You Miss Me Yet?" circulating during the early stages of President Obama's time in office. The answer - for me - was "no" throughout Mr. Obama's tenure.
But now, the contrast between Mr. Bush and the present occupant of the White House has lent a much sharper tone to that question and turned the answer into "yes". And I have to think that the path to "redemption" has been made much easier by that painfully vivid contrast.
So here's a tip o' the tam t' ye, Mr. Bush. Given the opportunity to replace our "current occupant" with a "you" we never knew, even most of us ardent supporters of President Obama (whom we do miss) would jump at the chance. But that's not permitted, and it would interrupt a new career that is likely more rewarding than your last one, so it must remain a wistful thought... one more in a world of sighs.
I vividly recall the half-joking photos of Mr. Bush with the heading "Do You Miss Me Yet?" circulating during the early stages of President Obama's time in office. The answer - for me - was "no" throughout Mr. Obama's tenure.
But now, the contrast between Mr. Bush and the present occupant of the White House has lent a much sharper tone to that question and turned the answer into "yes". And I have to think that the path to "redemption" has been made much easier by that painfully vivid contrast.
So here's a tip o' the tam t' ye, Mr. Bush. Given the opportunity to replace our "current occupant" with a "you" we never knew, even most of us ardent supporters of President Obama (whom we do miss) would jump at the chance. But that's not permitted, and it would interrupt a new career that is likely more rewarding than your last one, so it must remain a wistful thought... one more in a world of sighs.
20
What would you say about a man whose careless driving caused a pileup on the highway, then solemnly painted portraits of the victims?
George W Bush should have been an anonymous middle manager somewhere, living out his life like the rest of us. But because of his money and the malignant crew that took advantage of his naive nature and his appeal to a certain incurious part of our society (sound familiar?), thousands of families have been devastated, and an entire region of the globe is convulsed in violence. So now he paints, and finally finds nuance. Took late for the subjects of his paintings. The banality of evil.
George W Bush should have been an anonymous middle manager somewhere, living out his life like the rest of us. But because of his money and the malignant crew that took advantage of his naive nature and his appeal to a certain incurious part of our society (sound familiar?), thousands of families have been devastated, and an entire region of the globe is convulsed in violence. So now he paints, and finally finds nuance. Took late for the subjects of his paintings. The banality of evil.
130
Perhaps Mr. Bush can be an ambassador of sorts for the art world and bring some attention to it among those who all too frequently dismiss art as unnecessary, uppity and, of course, liberal. I hope Mr. Bush has the courage to address his party and his president about how art can enrich all of our lives, and how the United States should not shirk from participating in this unique dialogue with society, both here and abroad.
30
And, perhaps, whisper in Trump's ear about funding for the arts. Bigly.
1
There is no canvass large enough to relieve the pain and suffering that W ignorantly brought to this world. Yes, it is all about forgiveness but W, Cheney and Rumsfeld are responsible for opening a Pandora's box to hell. Laura Bush never saw her husband as Artist and we never imagined a President worse than Bush. Trump has created the perfect storm for W's resurrection while we remained pained by his desert storm.
57
W was a terrible, destructive president who's behavior and values led directly to this disastrous political present with his alternative realities, unabashed lies and illegal actions. That has nothing to do with whether he would be able to learn to paint. The wonder of this article is the humor and insight and mastery of the writer, Mimi Schwartz. There is talent.
35
The article would have been more than humorous if the writer had grasped the central issue - what can you say when one of the worst presidents we have had, a man with no apparent moral seriousness, turns out to be a pretty good artist? And you might talk about how recently he even seems to be making ethics-based criticisms of our current administration? Maybe you just have to ignore the bad side when you talk about the good - but there might be something interesting to say here. It would require keeping both sides in a more harsh focus.
"If they had only gotten to him sooner." True enough. And a shame they couldn't go back to Europe in the last century, and taught that fellow from Austria with the Charlie Chaplin moustache so that HIS artwork would have been more broadly accepted. Alas, due to them both, history is painted in blood red, though of admittedly different shades. One splattered it all across the world canvas, our later painter, "W" was more refined, but no less foolish.
No matter the quality, these "paintings" in history come at a very high price tag. One upon which we are still paying.
No matter the quality, these "paintings" in history come at a very high price tag. One upon which we are still paying.
31
“I was getting comfortable with the concepts of values and tones,” Mr. Bush writes in the introduction to his book.
Would you have been more "comfortable" with human rights "values", honesty "values" and a "tone" that didn't drive this country to disastrous, calamitous, soul and body destroying conflicts - we and much of the world would be much better off.
I saw him on his press tour for this book, meeting and joking with the physically and emotionally damaged American armed service members he put in harms way. I found it astounding that he didn't drop to his knees in front of each one and beg for forgiveness. Instead he was his usual dim, cheery self.
Amazing.
Would you have been more "comfortable" with human rights "values", honesty "values" and a "tone" that didn't drive this country to disastrous, calamitous, soul and body destroying conflicts - we and much of the world would be much better off.
I saw him on his press tour for this book, meeting and joking with the physically and emotionally damaged American armed service members he put in harms way. I found it astounding that he didn't drop to his knees in front of each one and beg for forgiveness. Instead he was his usual dim, cheery self.
Amazing.
85
If redemption were so easily bought! Better that he should have written a book confessing his sins, to serve as guide for future leaders. Perhaps then someone could have read it (in small doses, to be sure) to our current so-called president. It would probably be hope against hope, but we are desperate now.
96
As many teachers have said, there are no bad children, just children who behave badly. W must have been one of those children who grew to be a man who behaved badly. This article suggests that he has developed some sensitivity, insight, and personal consciousness. When he flat out admits that he was wrong about ignoring intelligence on a possible terrorist attack, that he was not being truthful about WMD, that he lied about invading Iraq, that he never should have cut taxes on the rich etc., etc., etc., then maybe I will consider him redeemed.
226
He deserves respect for his latest work; his actions as the President, particularly to invade Iraq in 2013, have proved disastrous, and this work is a small attempt at redemption. I too wish he was a wiser president, but he meant well and did the best to his abilities; if anyone is to blame, it is the American people who elected him to the high office despite knowing his shortcomings during the elections. Especially those green party voter who voted for Ralph Nader. And those very people have still not learnt their lesson as we learnt in the recent elections.
2
Mr. Bush has evolved into a good artist. He sees the world differently now and he is forever changed. I taught art briefly and I would urge those who harbor such fierce hatred and anger towards him to take up some brushes, paint and canvas and just start painting. Self awareness and creativity are always a good thing.
1
Looking beyond the "paint-by-numbers" technique, each portrait reflects the same haunted eyes, mirrored reflections of the horror the very artist painting them inflicted on them with his wars of choice. Redemption? What's needed is atonement.
7
GWB had well-documented problems with alcohol. Whether he was a "hard drinker" or an alcoholic is known only to him. But one alcoholic trait is a tendency towards dichotomous thinking and his public statements (e.g. "for us or against us") suggest a certain tendency in that direction.
It warms my heart to think that he is "getting comfortable with the concepts of values and tones". Maybe he is growing in emotional depth and maturity and sees less black and white in the world. I hope this is the case, not only for his personal growth but because of his stature and influence as a former president and a conservative.
The world seems increasingly fraught and in these times we need voices with wisdom and balance. If W. is growing in maturity and if he can still connect with the confused and frustrated conservative base, there is hope, I encourage him to make more public statements, both about his art and about the actions of the Trump administration.
It warms my heart to think that he is "getting comfortable with the concepts of values and tones". Maybe he is growing in emotional depth and maturity and sees less black and white in the world. I hope this is the case, not only for his personal growth but because of his stature and influence as a former president and a conservative.
The world seems increasingly fraught and in these times we need voices with wisdom and balance. If W. is growing in maturity and if he can still connect with the confused and frustrated conservative base, there is hope, I encourage him to make more public statements, both about his art and about the actions of the Trump administration.
4
I did not agree with President Bush's policies, but unlike the current occupier of the Oval Office, he acted with honesty and integrity. The question in my mind is what kind of President he might have been had he not had Dick Cheney as his vice-president. I doubt we would have gotten into the Middle East mess we're in now.
2
He lied us into an unnecessary war and supported torture so, no, he didn't act with "honesty and integrity." Oh my god, no.
5
He must redeem himself by reactivating the Never Trump movement. What has happened to them in Congress? Trump is the result of the decades-old systematic destruction of America's relationship with the truth that the Republicans have inflicted on this nation, surely aided by the frrtile soil of underlying anti-intellectualism and racism of those who never read and never travel. In that regard, W's efforts with painting may also help open some closed minds.
6
Time only goes forward. I never thought he was evil but was a dupe of Cheney. that was a fatal relationship, not for either of them, but for so many others. Cheney predicted that Iraqis would throw flowers under our liberating tanks, something which took my breath away momentarily, but permanently for so many others. Maybe a painting of Cheney throwing flowers before tanks would be good. W may be living a redemption in his gracious hosting of wounded warriors, and painting may bring him some relief as well as feeling of that kind of immortality that classic book might be. But he is not an author. By comparison with Trump, W is a good man. I only hope that the mistakes of the W years will be checked by those in power when tweets turn to war as the next distraction.
3
This is an act of redemption, of atonement, not unlike those undertaken by many major figures after relief from their often self-imposed and ill-borne burdens. I never thought W to be a "bad" person, just ill-prepared if not ill-suited to be president. My wish for him now is to grow into the role of senior statesman. He is now better able than ever to serve our nation, especially in this difficult time.
5
Bush should use his enormous power and influence to argue that ALL Americans should have access to art. Step up, Mr. Bush, and advocate for the National Endowment for the Arts. Tell your fellow Republicans, don't defund the NEA. Instead, increase its funding and expand arts education for children.
In the best of all possible worlds he would add, "Go ahead and raise my taxes. My life won't change a bit. But the lives of others would be enriched by art."
In my dreams.
In the best of all possible worlds he would add, "Go ahead and raise my taxes. My life won't change a bit. But the lives of others would be enriched by art."
In my dreams.
9
I always believed W became president as some kind of complex to prove to his father he was good enough. (Which I am convinced is the reason he went into Baghdad to show daddy he could do what his father was smart enough NOT to do). But it was a role he was never really comfortable with or intellectually suited for. Perhaps now with nothing left to prove, his true self and a new ability to really see the world is coming out. And maybe it's a way to assuage his guilty conscience for sending all those people to their death for a war we never should have started.
8
In short, studying art and painting more fully integrated George W. Bush personality and made him a more psychologically well-rounded individual.
Given Mr. Bush's disaster-filled presidency and the early poor results of Donald J. Trump's presidency, perhaps voters should look to elect the persons who have more well-resolved personalities, and who have learned to better bridge the various aspects of their identities.
Barack Obama might not have completely resolved his biracial background, or found the voice to discuss these halves of his being, but it is clear that he put the time into to thinking about these distinct part of himself, and was emotionally more mature when he first took the oath of office as a result.
Given Mr. Bush's disaster-filled presidency and the early poor results of Donald J. Trump's presidency, perhaps voters should look to elect the persons who have more well-resolved personalities, and who have learned to better bridge the various aspects of their identities.
Barack Obama might not have completely resolved his biracial background, or found the voice to discuss these halves of his being, but it is clear that he put the time into to thinking about these distinct part of himself, and was emotionally more mature when he first took the oath of office as a result.
7
I think the portraits are quite good-I see something in the eyes of each subject. None of that can take away, however, from the fact that George W. Bush is largely responsible for the increased terrorism we deal with today and the deaths of thousands.
10
A wonderful former president's brave venue into a new world of art, inspiration and growth. Is this not what we all wish for life fulfillment? I have deep admiration for President George W. Bush. The author's last sentence should not have been written. Life is a journey of growth and there is no place for a comment like this at the end of what began as a lovely article about a great man.
2
Gtaylor....over 100,000 souls needlessly perished on George W. Bush's catastrophic watch as a result of his mindless machismo and stunning incompetence.
He and his GOP sidekicks comforted the rich with tax cut welfare, waved at the the New Orleans deceased from Air Force One as they bungled the federal efforts for Katrina preparation and then drove the American economy off an unregulated right-wing cliff.
He was a wonderful President only in the sense that it's one of the great wonders of the world that such a human wrecking ball could ever ascend to the office of the American Presidency.
The entire article should never have been written about a man who helped set back the country and the world so catastrophically.
He and his GOP sidekicks comforted the rich with tax cut welfare, waved at the the New Orleans deceased from Air Force One as they bungled the federal efforts for Katrina preparation and then drove the American economy off an unregulated right-wing cliff.
He was a wonderful President only in the sense that it's one of the great wonders of the world that such a human wrecking ball could ever ascend to the office of the American Presidency.
The entire article should never have been written about a man who helped set back the country and the world so catastrophically.
23
"What we all wish for life fulfillment" is to not have our sons and daughters sent off to be needlessly slaughtered for a pack of manufactured lies. Ms. Swartz redeemed herself in this article with that last comment. Bush might be painting now but there's no rosy brush to paint away the horror that he administered starting those 2 unending wars, and Ms. Swartz knows that.
5
I enjoyed this article. Perhaps we must all keep in mind something the author states early on - that "Mr. Bush’s artistic talent goes against the stereotype we have of him."
Why are we surprised by, or, as is clearly demonstrated in several of the Comments here, dismissive of, the simple fact that people are always more complex and different than we prefer them to be? The old, hackneyed line is that all stereotypes are false. Why do we cling to the ones we love so much, even when, at least intellectually, we know them to be wrong.
Perhaps it has something to do with the notion that stereotypes are so much easier to attack. Righteous and self-righteous are only a step apart.
Two events, neither having to do with art, helped to humanize Mr. Bush for me. One was his depiction in Jon Meacham's "Destiny and Power." The other was watching him during a Kennedy Center Awards presentation while he was still President. Something very funny was going on down on the stage, and the camera showed Mr. Bush in an unguarded moment, with a "thousand mile stare," clearly thinking about work. And he looked so sad in that moment. My distaste for his policies and views did not change, but his burden became very clear to me.
It is the same burden that Mr. Obama carried, and now that Mr. Trump must carry. Let's all try being a bit more deliberate in our rush to judge.
Why are we surprised by, or, as is clearly demonstrated in several of the Comments here, dismissive of, the simple fact that people are always more complex and different than we prefer them to be? The old, hackneyed line is that all stereotypes are false. Why do we cling to the ones we love so much, even when, at least intellectually, we know them to be wrong.
Perhaps it has something to do with the notion that stereotypes are so much easier to attack. Righteous and self-righteous are only a step apart.
Two events, neither having to do with art, helped to humanize Mr. Bush for me. One was his depiction in Jon Meacham's "Destiny and Power." The other was watching him during a Kennedy Center Awards presentation while he was still President. Something very funny was going on down on the stage, and the camera showed Mr. Bush in an unguarded moment, with a "thousand mile stare," clearly thinking about work. And he looked so sad in that moment. My distaste for his policies and views did not change, but his burden became very clear to me.
It is the same burden that Mr. Obama carried, and now that Mr. Trump must carry. Let's all try being a bit more deliberate in our rush to judge.
7
Mr. Trump is not carrying a burden. He revels in hateful bile--he's on record as saying as much. We, the American people and the world, are carrying HIM as a burden. As far as being more deliberate in our rush to judge: when Trump displays that quality, I'll follow suit.
1
Besides American Warriors, perhaps he should expand his subject matter to include the thousands of lives he destroyed in the largest foreign policy blunder in U.S. history. How about some portraits of parents of soldiers who are still grieving for a son or daughter that didn't come back. Or a child that is growing up without a parent because of his increadible recklessness. Maybe some innocent Iraqi family members whose lives were ruined by his ineptitude. These happy, feel good stories and recent interviews that attempt to normalize him disgust me. He is a war criminal. That's not paint on his hands, it's blood.
In terms of the quality his paintings, they do have a certain charm, but he should be painting them from behind bars for crimes against humanity.
In terms of the quality his paintings, they do have a certain charm, but he should be painting them from behind bars for crimes against humanity.
15
Yes, I might add to my prior comment that it's a pity that he's not painting from jail. Although then I guess those "private lessons" wouldn't have been possible.
2
The perfect actor for W's next tutor is John Currin, a painter whose original skills were at Bush's same clumsy level: just the right level of easy modern technique, thick application, calculated loose brushwork, clumsy rendering disguised as intentional distortion, & both Yale alums. Eminence grise of snark, Currin can fertilize what they already share, lethal conservatism, glib irony, unctuous slick but never genuine technique. The apotheosis will be Bush's paintings in the fake academic style of Currin's fratboy porn. The naughty boys hiding from political responsibility behind fake sexual controversy. The market will be happy.
7
It would be wonderful if former President Bush could paint some of the pictures of the millions of Iraqis, including many tens of thousands of innocent children, who were killed, wounded and made refugees by his administration's deception and lies about WMD when they invaded and destroyed Iraq, a country where the killing and dying didn't stop after Mr Bush left office and is going on at this very moment some sixteen years later.
Byone painting, he might also want to apologise to the families of American soldiers who served and died as a result of those lies and deceptions. That would be real redemption.
Byone painting, he might also want to apologise to the families of American soldiers who served and died as a result of those lies and deceptions. That would be real redemption.
16
It is very convenient for GW to peddle his book of paintings as a form of "redemption". He was an awful President, and history will note how his decision to invade Iraq, based on blatant lies and misinformation, led to the numerous conflicts we see today in the region. Try as he can, it will be impossible for GW to erase this stark reality with a few mediocre paintings. Perhaps he should seek redemption by painting the grieving families of the many Americans killed and wounded in his senseless, fictitious war. Perhaps he should paint the Iraqi families, whose lives have been torn apart as a result of this senseless war, driven by the greed of the military industrial complex that he enabled. Perhaps he should just donate his millions to help the sick and homeless veterans.
24
On a personal level, I'm glad W has found some solace in paint. But I don't see any dissonance between his presidentin' and his paintin'. They are both naive, simplistic, lacking nuance, light, and color. Yes, they are colorful, but they lack logic. There is no light. Just colors. His paintings are like thousands of elementary school artists before him who work from photographs.
Hats off to him for finding an outlet that doesn't result in killing, maiming, and ostracizing people. Unlike elementary school kids, he needs to be congratulated for not destroying other people's lives.
The guy is a monster.
Hats off to him for finding an outlet that doesn't result in killing, maiming, and ostracizing people. Unlike elementary school kids, he needs to be congratulated for not destroying other people's lives.
The guy is a monster.
65
With the advent of the truly feculent administration of Donald Trump. one is tempted to wax nostalgic for old W and view him as not really that bad.
This would be a mistake. It was a horrible administration that deserves to be consigned to the "failed" list of administrations, Trump's follies notwithstanding. Katrina, Iraq and the financial crisis are his legacy, along with a long list of other horribles.
That said, he does have talent as a painter and I wish him well with that. We all deserve redemption in life, and that applies even to failed ex-Presidents. But with redemption and absolution must come some form of contritiion and I don't see that yet. And being an artist doesn't necessarily denote depth of character. Churchill was not the only WW2 era leader who painted...
This would be a mistake. It was a horrible administration that deserves to be consigned to the "failed" list of administrations, Trump's follies notwithstanding. Katrina, Iraq and the financial crisis are his legacy, along with a long list of other horribles.
That said, he does have talent as a painter and I wish him well with that. We all deserve redemption in life, and that applies even to failed ex-Presidents. But with redemption and absolution must come some form of contritiion and I don't see that yet. And being an artist doesn't necessarily denote depth of character. Churchill was not the only WW2 era leader who painted...
260
I feel these paintings, and book sale proceeds that are going to a veteran's charity, are in fact a contrition. One can't go back for a redo, but these paintings are in itself worthwhile and goal-oriented.
The man was out of his depth from the beginning, as a president. But at least in those days the Republicans still held themselves accountable: hence lies and justifications.
Trump does not feel accountable to anyone. He is his own god. Compared to him Bush is a distiguished elder statesman, mistakes and all.
The man was out of his depth from the beginning, as a president. But at least in those days the Republicans still held themselves accountable: hence lies and justifications.
Trump does not feel accountable to anyone. He is his own god. Compared to him Bush is a distiguished elder statesman, mistakes and all.
Feculent -- love it. That should be the word of the day. Or the word for every day for the next 4 years.
2
And Churchill was one of the most despicable racists of his time. Just check his views about Indians, Arabs, and Africans. People in the West often celebrate his role in World War 2, his Nobel prize in literature, and his weekend art, but he held views about races akin to those of Hitler. He was a white supremacist and an unapologetic imperialist.
Though no a racist, George Bush will remain an equally reprehensible painter for different political reasons except in the eyes of the most rabid ultranationalist and jingoistic Americans.
Art should not be allowed to cover up a miserable leadership; if it is to play a political role it should be only as a mirror of reality. W will have no redemption until he shows real contrition and seeks forgiveness from fellow citizens, Iraqis and the world as others have also suggested here .
Nor does his so-called self-deprecating humor win any compassion from many of us who opposed the war and later saw him wrecking the U.S. and global economy. Until that genuine remorse appears in the press and on TV, please let no one say history will be kinder to him. It won't ...and it shouldn't.
Though no a racist, George Bush will remain an equally reprehensible painter for different political reasons except in the eyes of the most rabid ultranationalist and jingoistic Americans.
Art should not be allowed to cover up a miserable leadership; if it is to play a political role it should be only as a mirror of reality. W will have no redemption until he shows real contrition and seeks forgiveness from fellow citizens, Iraqis and the world as others have also suggested here .
Nor does his so-called self-deprecating humor win any compassion from many of us who opposed the war and later saw him wrecking the U.S. and global economy. Until that genuine remorse appears in the press and on TV, please let no one say history will be kinder to him. It won't ...and it shouldn't.
1
Today our world is full of proof that there is no contradiction between intelligence, depth of character, creativity and a a politics of arbitrary violence, lies, and greed. I have had conversations with some of the kindest, most intelligent, selfless & empathic people in the world--who, if the name Obama comes up begin frothing with incoherent rage. Who, when a lunatic murders roomful of innocent children, start denouncing a nonexistent threat to their unused hunting rifles.
I'm glad Mr Bush has something to keep his hands busy in a harmless way, unlike his co-conspirator Mr. Cheney. But hundreds of thousands of innocent people are still dead, the victims of torture are still maimed, the millions are still refugees, and the mess he made of the middle east will remain a crisis for the rest of our lives and beyond. When he renounces his past and sets out to seek justice for the criminals in his administration I will be the first to acknowledge and celebrate the possibility of redemption. But in the context of his crimes, painting portraits, whether poorly or well, is just another in the string of unearned privileges that make up his life.
I'm glad Mr Bush has something to keep his hands busy in a harmless way, unlike his co-conspirator Mr. Cheney. But hundreds of thousands of innocent people are still dead, the victims of torture are still maimed, the millions are still refugees, and the mess he made of the middle east will remain a crisis for the rest of our lives and beyond. When he renounces his past and sets out to seek justice for the criminals in his administration I will be the first to acknowledge and celebrate the possibility of redemption. But in the context of his crimes, painting portraits, whether poorly or well, is just another in the string of unearned privileges that make up his life.
361
We want easy answers but there are none. He may be guilty of being a bad president (though even he looks like Lincoln next to the current one), he may have made terrible decisions resulting in much harm and we may revile him for those. Yet he is not a criminal. However misguided he believed that he was protecting the country and doing his duty. Calling him a criminal is more of the extremism that is ruining our country, from both sides of the political spectrum.
1
Wrong! There are many kinds of intelligence...and the one some of the people you mention do not have "high intelligence". They have "certain kind of intelligence rooted in linear, efficient, categorical, either or, quick judgment thinking". Secondly, "What depth of character?" How can people who make impulsive decisions that might take off many innocent lives have "depth of character"?
1
If someone said, ‘One day you will be nostalgic for the world in which George W. Bush is president,’ I would have said, ‘No way.’
I used to say to my husband that Dick Cheney would never let Barack Obama become president; he would allow some major terrorist attack to occur and declare martial law first. For all I know (and according to some who did), W put the brakes on Cheney toward the end. But Trump shows the difference between electing an entitled heir capable of recognizing the burden on him and growing in office, though limited by mediocrity and faulty ideology in many needed areas, and electing a game show host whose only talent is self-aggrandizement and getting attention and who is entirely incapable of personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and setting aside self-interest in making the big decisions. Trump wouldn't even hesitate to tweet that he ought to declare martial law if he doesn't win in 2020. Let's hope he doesn't make it that far and by some miracle the Dems take the House and can impeach this obviously corrupt and mentally incompetent figurehead.
For all those who have come here just to say bad things about W, look: at least he's capable of reaching out to others on a human level, and his background enabled him at least to know what the job description was and fake it when he couldn't live up to it. Trump is an empty, noisy celebrity who disgraces, demeans, and harms the US and us every single day.
I used to say to my husband that Dick Cheney would never let Barack Obama become president; he would allow some major terrorist attack to occur and declare martial law first. For all I know (and according to some who did), W put the brakes on Cheney toward the end. But Trump shows the difference between electing an entitled heir capable of recognizing the burden on him and growing in office, though limited by mediocrity and faulty ideology in many needed areas, and electing a game show host whose only talent is self-aggrandizement and getting attention and who is entirely incapable of personal growth, intellectual curiosity, and setting aside self-interest in making the big decisions. Trump wouldn't even hesitate to tweet that he ought to declare martial law if he doesn't win in 2020. Let's hope he doesn't make it that far and by some miracle the Dems take the House and can impeach this obviously corrupt and mentally incompetent figurehead.
For all those who have come here just to say bad things about W, look: at least he's capable of reaching out to others on a human level, and his background enabled him at least to know what the job description was and fake it when he couldn't live up to it. Trump is an empty, noisy celebrity who disgraces, demeans, and harms the US and us every single day.
43
@ C Wolfe Bloomington, IN “If someone said, ‘One day you will be nostalgic for the world in which George W. Bush is president,’ I would have said, ‘No way.’”
You kidding?
I'm nostalgic for the world in which Richard M-Fing NIXON was president.
Who ever, in a million years, could have imagined?
You kidding?
I'm nostalgic for the world in which Richard M-Fing NIXON was president.
Who ever, in a million years, could have imagined?
2
His painting really are quite good. From the two presented, I can sense a haunting quality. His use of asymmetry and color imparts just enough surrealism to show us that there is a ghost in the paintings.
Real art of any kind conveys strong emotion. That emotion is displayed in these paintings. Bush is troubled.
He is most likely seeking an internal redemption through his art. That's a good thing. I wish he would go all the way and seek public redemption by renouncing the Iraq war. At least it appears that he realizes that he has demons to confront. Where that process goes is up to him.
Real art of any kind conveys strong emotion. That emotion is displayed in these paintings. Bush is troubled.
He is most likely seeking an internal redemption through his art. That's a good thing. I wish he would go all the way and seek public redemption by renouncing the Iraq war. At least it appears that he realizes that he has demons to confront. Where that process goes is up to him.
75
Let him seek his so-called "redemption" with his God and his art instructor in humble anonymity.
The American people who suffered through eight years of his disastrous presidency should not have to countenance his name and/or presence ever again.
Texas has plentry of rocks big enough to crawl under. He should find one.
The American people who suffered through eight years of his disastrous presidency should not have to countenance his name and/or presence ever again.
Texas has plentry of rocks big enough to crawl under. He should find one.
6
After he broke the toy his daddy gave him ( the presidency) now the little rich boy has paints to play with. Charming.
170
Your last line pretty much sums up my feelings as I think had he started painting and meeting these artists sooner he might have been a very different President.
62
Hitler was an artist as a young man.
3
Someone should commission Bush to do paintings of some neocons. Perhaps with a monochromatic palate, or maybe an explosive palate of reds, oranges and yellows.
23
Perhaps using Dorian Gray as inspiration.
We should provide him a nice studio in a Federal penitentiary.
6
If his book becomes an international best seller, it would still have to raise several trillion to address all the chaos and tragedy created by the disastrous decision to pull the pin of the grenade that blew up the fragile Sunni-Shea balance of power in the mid-east.
The American people elected GW (if not by popular vote, certainly by the mechanisms of our system), so the redemption of our country seems almost a hopeless task at this point, but at least we could accept SOME responsibility, and make room for more of the desperate refugees trying to escape the disaster we unleashed. Why are most of our politicians silent on the responsibility our country assumed when we toppled Saddam Hussein? It is not adequate for us to blame Bush and Cheney and just walk away.
The American people elected GW (if not by popular vote, certainly by the mechanisms of our system), so the redemption of our country seems almost a hopeless task at this point, but at least we could accept SOME responsibility, and make room for more of the desperate refugees trying to escape the disaster we unleashed. Why are most of our politicians silent on the responsibility our country assumed when we toppled Saddam Hussein? It is not adequate for us to blame Bush and Cheney and just walk away.
102
"W" won the 2004 general election by more than 3,000,000 votes
His paintings are better and better. I really like the two examples in this article, and, as a sculptor myself, I feel I have a good critical eye.
The highest experience of making art is personal processing and it is clear to me that is what is happening. There is no time frame to discovery of self through creative expression. Let us wish President Bush Godspeed on his journey. It has a good start.
The highest experience of making art is personal processing and it is clear to me that is what is happening. There is no time frame to discovery of self through creative expression. Let us wish President Bush Godspeed on his journey. It has a good start.
57
@ Jennie Chien Nyack, NY "Let us wish President Bush Godspeed on his journey"
Godspeed?
This article, and some commenters here, speak so blithely of this man's supposed "redemption."
But in his obscene, ignorant, vainglorious arrogance, this creature took it upon himself to lie and manipulate the strongest military force the world has ever known, to set it to invade a country that posed us no significant threat -- but the dissolution of which would predictably (indeed, inevitably) destabilize an entire region, with catastrophic effect on the whole world that will clearly last generations.
The existence of ISIS/Daesh, and the horrors they've visited upon their lands and ours, can be laid entirely at this man's doorstep.
(The current command-and-control of ISIS is reportedly entirely composed of Saddam Hussein's former Ba'ath high command, which Bush's man in Iraq brilliantly decided to cut loose with no careers, resources, or support, and of course no "vetting." What did he think they were going to do -- retire to spend time painting?)
The deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, Syrians, and others -- including those as far flung as Libya and Nigeria, and of course, many in Europe and some in America, murdered by operatives devoted to ISIS -- are ultimately the responsibility of this man's foolish pride, and of his Pyrrhic "victory" (Mission Accomplished, dude!) in Iraq.
The only "journey" I want to see GWB on is to The Hague, for his trial for crimes against humanity.
Godspeed?
This article, and some commenters here, speak so blithely of this man's supposed "redemption."
But in his obscene, ignorant, vainglorious arrogance, this creature took it upon himself to lie and manipulate the strongest military force the world has ever known, to set it to invade a country that posed us no significant threat -- but the dissolution of which would predictably (indeed, inevitably) destabilize an entire region, with catastrophic effect on the whole world that will clearly last generations.
The existence of ISIS/Daesh, and the horrors they've visited upon their lands and ours, can be laid entirely at this man's doorstep.
(The current command-and-control of ISIS is reportedly entirely composed of Saddam Hussein's former Ba'ath high command, which Bush's man in Iraq brilliantly decided to cut loose with no careers, resources, or support, and of course no "vetting." What did he think they were going to do -- retire to spend time painting?)
The deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, Syrians, and others -- including those as far flung as Libya and Nigeria, and of course, many in Europe and some in America, murdered by operatives devoted to ISIS -- are ultimately the responsibility of this man's foolish pride, and of his Pyrrhic "victory" (Mission Accomplished, dude!) in Iraq.
The only "journey" I want to see GWB on is to The Hague, for his trial for crimes against humanity.
3
Now all we need is for Dick Cheney to take up piano and America will be all good again. All healed.
3
We who put country over party know there is no redemption for this monster
1
Agreed, if 'W' had started serious painting decades before taking the White House, we might have avoided the entire Iraq quagmire.
24
Many of us find redemption later in life than we'd like. Few have as many sins to redeem.
325
The verdict of history will sear and lacerate the authors of the catastrophic decision to invade Iraq. George W. Bush intuitively understands that he is directly responsible for the horrific carnage and the destruction of millions of lives. I would posit that every painting is an act of conscious contrition spreading a momentary balm, over the deep scar tissue and raw open wound in his psyche. The artistic expiation has unleashed a remarkable, unexpected gift, in which each stroke is an act of remorse, and each painting deepens his awareness of the subject before him.
50
You mean like Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, and Joe Biden, all of whom voted for war?
2
perhaps for you, obviously a man with a deep conscience. It's odd that people now attribute conscience and an ability for reflection to Bush. We should never forget the horrors he inflicted on American soldiers and people in the Mideast and how he lied to his own nation in order to get to do that. If he was to show remorse he would publicly apologize, spend the rest of his life working for peace in the middle east and fundraising for people suffering there. A pretty painting that makes him feel good about himself just isn't enough.
5
Nothing that George W. Bush can compensate for the legacy of his presidency. The greatest gift of charity, the deepest work of art, the most tireless efforts at world diplomacy can never undo the catastrophic decisions he made when he was the most powerful person in the world. He can't bring back the war dead, re-stabilize the Middle East, or help the retirees left in economic ruin at the end of his tenure. And I, for one, cannot hear his name without remembering. As for his art, I will simply repeat his flippant remark concerning his legacy as president: I will leave it for history to judge.
111
Let’s put aside in an act of pure charity this self-satisfied notion that Dubya has some reason to feel a need for “redemption”. And it is pure charity, because the ideologically self-interested premise is deeply offensive to a lot of us. Let’s move on instead to an appreciation of the insight Dubya’s work demonstrates – not something that comes on a person as Athena did, erupting fully formed from the forehead of Zeus, but something that must always have been there just awaiting the leisure to develop the skills to express it.
Plenty of Americans always saw warmth and wit in Dubya – just enough to contribute to getting him elected president twice, and qualities that those of us who DID elect him failed to see in either Al Gore or John Kerry. But I’ve seen his newer expressions, and they’re actually quite powerful. In addition to showing emotional depth, which a lot of us can claim to one degree or another, those paintings show talent, which few of us can claim.
Mimi’s piece is a valuable and informative demi-history of how Dubya came to develop the skills to express that talent and emotional depth. It’s a pity she couldn’t have done it without the ideological asides.
Plenty of Americans always saw warmth and wit in Dubya – just enough to contribute to getting him elected president twice, and qualities that those of us who DID elect him failed to see in either Al Gore or John Kerry. But I’ve seen his newer expressions, and they’re actually quite powerful. In addition to showing emotional depth, which a lot of us can claim to one degree or another, those paintings show talent, which few of us can claim.
Mimi’s piece is a valuable and informative demi-history of how Dubya came to develop the skills to express that talent and emotional depth. It’s a pity she couldn’t have done it without the ideological asides.
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Richard, are you even aware that your comment contains your own ideological asides?
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@Richard Luettgen, New Jersey: "without the ideological asides?" Sir, America is one huge "ideological aside." It's what elected your president, the incubus in whom you're so well pleased. W's artistry, if you will, is nothing but a guilt trip in conservative trappings. If he were to truly purge himself of the millions of deaths, injuries and displacements--here and abroad--that his thoughtless worldview obliged him to follow the precepts of men for more evil than he, then he would publicly denounce No. 45. Yes; both he and his father. They would lead a Republican revolt, of sorts, against the indecency and the uncommon filth that now, like roaches, have made the Oval Office their own. No amount of painting will wash away the devastation W. caused because he was a stupid man. And we have a president who is far duller and meaner. What'll he take up in his spare time after his single term? Viagra?
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W was always likable. But those who voted for him because of it, who did not vote on the basis of wisdom and the needs of the country, they too need to seek redemption for the carnage it caused. If they had accepted their responsibility earlier, they might not have repeated their mistake with Trump.
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Various scientific surveys of Iraqi deaths resulting from the first four years of the Iraq War estimated that between 151,000 and over one million Iraqis died as a result of the Bush-Cheney War during this time.
Counts of deaths by projects like the Iraq Body Count project found 174,000 Iraqis reported killed between 2003 and 2013, with between 112,000-123,000 of those killed being civilian noncombatants.
A total of 4,491 US service members were killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2014.
What Mr. Bush should be painting are individual portraits of each of the lives that his incompetence, incuriosity and mindless machismo destroyed during his catastrophic reign of error...along with a portrait of each of their grave sites.
There's no redemption for that kind of Texas terror and manmade carnage.
The portrait most Americans would like to see is a group self-portrait of the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Wolfowitz Iraq War Crimes Convicts staring glumly into space through the prison cell black bars at Guantanomo Bay as they serve out the rest of their mortal days for crimes against humanity.
Keep painting, Dubya....the rest of us will lend you a hand until you get the self-portrait just right.
Counts of deaths by projects like the Iraq Body Count project found 174,000 Iraqis reported killed between 2003 and 2013, with between 112,000-123,000 of those killed being civilian noncombatants.
A total of 4,491 US service members were killed in Iraq between 2003 and 2014.
What Mr. Bush should be painting are individual portraits of each of the lives that his incompetence, incuriosity and mindless machismo destroyed during his catastrophic reign of error...along with a portrait of each of their grave sites.
There's no redemption for that kind of Texas terror and manmade carnage.
The portrait most Americans would like to see is a group self-portrait of the Bush-Cheney-Rumsfeld-Wolfowitz Iraq War Crimes Convicts staring glumly into space through the prison cell black bars at Guantanomo Bay as they serve out the rest of their mortal days for crimes against humanity.
Keep painting, Dubya....the rest of us will lend you a hand until you get the self-portrait just right.
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I wish that ex-President Bush would apologize and ask for forgiveness for his role in the Iraq war. And, then, spend time making things right.
I do admire that President Bush is donating the proceeds of this book to help veterans. I just hope he doesn't give it to the Wounded Warriors Project, which disburses 75% of donations to those in need and uses the remaining 25% for advertising and administrative expenses.
I do admire that President Bush is donating the proceeds of this book to help veterans. I just hope he doesn't give it to the Wounded Warriors Project, which disburses 75% of donations to those in need and uses the remaining 25% for advertising and administrative expenses.
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Excellent response Socrates. Thank you.
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Interesting insight into an ex-president. However, the last line is so condescending and elitist to be sickening.,
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Step out of your bubble Olin137. W's incited war is a stain on his presidency and our country that might have been avoided had he the eyes he now sees the world with. An artist's eye is more patient, introspective than non-artists' eyes.
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That is definitely one interpretation. Another is simply that art is allowing him more complete or richer self-expression. That is something we can all benefit from as early in life as possible.
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At least disturbing. It lifts my spirit that he now has found a way to express the love inside him. Perhaps his father's skydives are emblematic of his inheritance and bode well for life in later years. 'He not busy being born is busy dying'. It is commonly observed, sadly, how people often notice when someone 'does something bad', but rarely register when they do something good. Of the addictions, I think blame among the most corrosive.
Mr. Bush is a better painter than he was a president. That can be stated with confidence even if his artwork is considered mediocre.
Still, it feels somewhat perverse that his paintings are not completed in a jail cell next to Dick Cheney's.
Still, it feels somewhat perverse that his paintings are not completed in a jail cell next to Dick Cheney's.
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My opinion of President Bush junior changed fundamentally for 3-4 years ago with president Jimmy Carter's speech at the dedication of the George W. Bush library.
have a look: https://youtu.be/cfs60tgKpgU
have a look: https://youtu.be/cfs60tgKpgU
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Thanks for posting that link. It does modify my opinion of W, too - marginally. The ironies abound. GWB apparently did amazing things for the people of Africa - at the same time helping to disrupt the lives of the people in the Middle East and the soldiers from the US and our allies who have fought there. But wait -- the next republican to be elected as president seems determined to do everything he can to stop those good works through cuts in foreign aid. Maybe before his budget reverses the good work done by one of his predecessors, someone should warn our current president that at the rate he's going, some day he'll need redemption, too?
It's all academic, Ms. Swartz.
President No. 43 may have metamorphosed into an artist of some merit--considerable or otherwise--but his lasting legacy is the ignorance in which he began his presidency. He was warned by the outgoing Clinton administration that terrorists from afar were planning a deadly assault upon American shores. W's response was to decamp to Crawford, Texas, where, no doubt, he was determined to show the world that he was no "pointy-headed intellectual." He needn't have bothered on that score.
So the proceeds of his New York Times best-selling book, a "tribute to America's warriors," is going to keep veterans and their families out of cardboard boxes under bridges? From interstate off-ramps with signs asking for work, food or money?
I'm not in a forgiving mood, Ms. Swartz. The presidency of George W. Bush was an unmitigated disaster; not only here, but in the Middle East that was already a smoking crater when his father's Supreme Court put its thumbs on the scales and gave an unqualified, incurious, vacant-staring man the presidency. That No. 45 fits that description, with the sharp antithesis of No. 44 as a defining opposite, is the truest indication that America has lost her way. It is, perhaps, in this Lenten season, un-Christian of me to judge a man who perhaps has atoned far more than I can imagine for his sins of ignorance.
W. should have known better. That he didn't care enough to learn is no reason to praise his painting portraits of warriors.
President No. 43 may have metamorphosed into an artist of some merit--considerable or otherwise--but his lasting legacy is the ignorance in which he began his presidency. He was warned by the outgoing Clinton administration that terrorists from afar were planning a deadly assault upon American shores. W's response was to decamp to Crawford, Texas, where, no doubt, he was determined to show the world that he was no "pointy-headed intellectual." He needn't have bothered on that score.
So the proceeds of his New York Times best-selling book, a "tribute to America's warriors," is going to keep veterans and their families out of cardboard boxes under bridges? From interstate off-ramps with signs asking for work, food or money?
I'm not in a forgiving mood, Ms. Swartz. The presidency of George W. Bush was an unmitigated disaster; not only here, but in the Middle East that was already a smoking crater when his father's Supreme Court put its thumbs on the scales and gave an unqualified, incurious, vacant-staring man the presidency. That No. 45 fits that description, with the sharp antithesis of No. 44 as a defining opposite, is the truest indication that America has lost her way. It is, perhaps, in this Lenten season, un-Christian of me to judge a man who perhaps has atoned far more than I can imagine for his sins of ignorance.
W. should have known better. That he didn't care enough to learn is no reason to praise his painting portraits of warriors.
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I agree that his conduct as President regarding the transition and things related to 9-11 and the GWOT cast a deep shadow on everything else, but he did not do it alone. Plenty of politicians of both parties gave him a blank check including a then new Democratic Senator from New York.
With the exception of a few members of Congress on the fringes, nobody said much as people were disappeared from the streets of America by Law Enforcement and held denied the most basic rights of the accused. The same can be said of many other actions by our Federal Government during that time. Just like during the days of the Red Scare, lots of good people did nothing and said nothing- including many who knew better and had the Bully Pulpit of a Senator or Representative.
Otherwise, W had lots of help.
With the exception of a few members of Congress on the fringes, nobody said much as people were disappeared from the streets of America by Law Enforcement and held denied the most basic rights of the accused. The same can be said of many other actions by our Federal Government during that time. Just like during the days of the Red Scare, lots of good people did nothing and said nothing- including many who knew better and had the Bully Pulpit of a Senator or Representative.
Otherwise, W had lots of help.
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Amen to that. The only thing that makes Dubya look better by comparison is the Trump administration. Painting doesn't do it.
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Well, it sure is nice to believe in the redemptive power of art, and this lovely piece of writing suggests a deep moral context and transformation in the former president's thinking. Yet, Hitler was an artist was well. If one is searching for an ex president whose moral lapses and bad decisions hounded him to an early grave, look no farther in Texas than LBJ...he was a man with a tortured conscience.
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Yes, but LBJ, for all the indelible stain on his memory and reputation that is Viet Nam, also left a great domestic legacy that showed him to have been a truly tragic figure, a man of great compassion and accomplishments who destroyed himself through his commitment to a wrong-headed war. Where are the equivalent mitigating factors in W's case?
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I entirely agree with you Don...and he is such a tragic leader for all that you say... He trusted those advisers and generals to provide advice and help him make extraordinary life and death decisions in Vietnam, that, at the end of his political career proved to all wrong... he clearly never found peace--and profoundly suffered for all the horror he ordered on hundreds of thousand of Americans and Southeast Asians.
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The wrongheadedness of that war, I suspect, emerges out of the McCarthyism of the early 1950s. The GOP railed on Truman for men with socialist leanings in his administration in addition to the "who lost China" claims, such that, the only way Democrats could get elected & traction was to appear "tough on communism." This is 1 reason why they said "only Nixon could go to China." Any Dem who did that would be accused of being "soft on communism" where as Nixon was of the same political stripes as McCarthy.
Vietnam was obviously a war of independence that enlisted the ideology of protest of the day, just as our own war of independence did. But in the context of American politics of the 1950s & 60s it was difficult to see it that way. Truman may have "lost" China but he redeemed himself by saving South Korea & almost everyone would have to agree that the story of South Korea is one of the few major success stories of American foreign policy of those times. In the mid-60s the story of South Korea was much bigger & more powerful as a precedent.
Johnson did make a major mistake in Vietnam but his domestic legislation was the greatest thing to happen to America in the post WWII era. One wonders if he could have done that w/out the gravitas that war gives an American president.
I want to read more on Johnson, but I'm also afraid of the wearyness and sadness of reading the tragedy along with the triumph. But he is/was human. Some future generation will spawn a "Hamilton" out of him.
Vietnam was obviously a war of independence that enlisted the ideology of protest of the day, just as our own war of independence did. But in the context of American politics of the 1950s & 60s it was difficult to see it that way. Truman may have "lost" China but he redeemed himself by saving South Korea & almost everyone would have to agree that the story of South Korea is one of the few major success stories of American foreign policy of those times. In the mid-60s the story of South Korea was much bigger & more powerful as a precedent.
Johnson did make a major mistake in Vietnam but his domestic legislation was the greatest thing to happen to America in the post WWII era. One wonders if he could have done that w/out the gravitas that war gives an American president.
I want to read more on Johnson, but I'm also afraid of the wearyness and sadness of reading the tragedy along with the triumph. But he is/was human. Some future generation will spawn a "Hamilton" out of him.
1
Is anyone serious in thinking that if these paintings had been done by anyone other than a former president, they would be featured in the New York Times?
Has Mr. Bush painted any of the 100,000 Iraqis who died as the result of the war he started without provocation? Are there paintings of the men who were tortured at Abu Ghraib? Gitmo?
How does painting portraits redeem that? I'm sorry. Perhaps painting portraits puts Mr. Bush in touch with his softer side, but it doesn't redeem him for the misery he inflicted on Iraq.
Art may redeem, but there are some things that all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten.
Has Mr. Bush painted any of the 100,000 Iraqis who died as the result of the war he started without provocation? Are there paintings of the men who were tortured at Abu Ghraib? Gitmo?
How does painting portraits redeem that? I'm sorry. Perhaps painting portraits puts Mr. Bush in touch with his softer side, but it doesn't redeem him for the misery he inflicted on Iraq.
Art may redeem, but there are some things that all the perfumes of Arabia will not sweeten.
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I agree with you Lorraine. How long a wait will it be before W. paints a Guernica, something like Goya's "Disasters of War" or 'Nanjing Massacre', by Zijian Li that would include his own image superimposed over the painting? I'd like to think that the last painting he creates would be a self-portrait, that it would bring to his mind Wilde's "Dorian Gray" and that he would recognize finally what horror's he was responsible for in Iraq.
3
What lies beneath?
Where's the sense of remorse? Where's the admission of mistakes and failings? Where's the over-arching sense of guilt?
I am aware of none. If anything, quite the contrary.
Somewhere underneath the banality there's an awareness of wrongfulness. A virtue seeking person would attempt to wade into that, give it an accounting, express remorse, regrett, beg for foregiveness. It takes a very big yet humbled person to do all of that, and of course, it is not very easy. Doing so will reap added scorn from the jackals. For all I know, he may find his way to that. Maybe the painting will help get him there.
Then again, maybe the painting is a way of coping with his condition without having to confront it.
I wouldn't blame him for not confronting a moral accounting for all that he did. One bad act in youth can lead to a lifetime spent in search of a way out of the maze of guilt. One bad act. Bush's crimes seem much more extensive. At his age, to begin such a journey or pilgrimage would consume all the rest of his days and with diminishing mental faculties, become less & less able to process it as the material to be processed became more and more dense, such that he would be looking at an agonizing state of emotional and moral helplessness for the rest of his days.
We all have to confront our deaths with our own moral accounting. This will not be easy for any of us. I could be wrong on all of this but I would not choose to be in his shoes when that time comes.
Where's the sense of remorse? Where's the admission of mistakes and failings? Where's the over-arching sense of guilt?
I am aware of none. If anything, quite the contrary.
Somewhere underneath the banality there's an awareness of wrongfulness. A virtue seeking person would attempt to wade into that, give it an accounting, express remorse, regrett, beg for foregiveness. It takes a very big yet humbled person to do all of that, and of course, it is not very easy. Doing so will reap added scorn from the jackals. For all I know, he may find his way to that. Maybe the painting will help get him there.
Then again, maybe the painting is a way of coping with his condition without having to confront it.
I wouldn't blame him for not confronting a moral accounting for all that he did. One bad act in youth can lead to a lifetime spent in search of a way out of the maze of guilt. One bad act. Bush's crimes seem much more extensive. At his age, to begin such a journey or pilgrimage would consume all the rest of his days and with diminishing mental faculties, become less & less able to process it as the material to be processed became more and more dense, such that he would be looking at an agonizing state of emotional and moral helplessness for the rest of his days.
We all have to confront our deaths with our own moral accounting. This will not be easy for any of us. I could be wrong on all of this but I would not choose to be in his shoes when that time comes.
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If he wants to redeem himself, he will destroy the presidency of this current GOP nightmare. A nightmare made possible by the "redeemed" painter and the Republican party in a horrific concert of lies.
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