Entertainment

Why a new billboard featuring Donald Trump has received a huge backlash

The piece of art is called Trumpocalypse.
The piece of art is called Trumpocalypse. The piece of art is called Trumpocalypse.

When LA-based artist Karen Fiorito erected this billboard, she knew it would cause a stir because it is by no means politically mild.

With mushroom clouds, dollar signs made to look like swastikas and a picture of Donald Trump with a Russian flag pin, subtlety is definitely not the name of Fiorito’s game. On the other side of the billboard there is the word “unity” spelled out in sign language.

The billboard was erected last Friday in Phoenix, Arizona, and the debate around it has been steadily building.

According to Fox10, the billboard was funded by the Limited Liability Corporation, an organisation that supports the arts. Fiorito said to Fox10: “I got the opportunity to have a platform to say something, and I took that opportunity, and I take full responsibility for it.”

“I do feel like we are headed down a road of destruction,” said Fiorito. “So, that’s my expression and I think I have the right to say that, and they do believe me.”

The response to the billboard has been so divided that Fiorito has received death threats and condemnation amongst some positive feedback.

However, Fiorito seems to be taking the negativity on the chin. She posted on Facebook last night: “If you want to debate, fine, but calling me names and threatening my life is just plain mean-spirited and juvenile.”

I love how the people attacking me are saying II love how the people attacking me are saying I am “hateful” when EVERYTHING out of their mouths spews venom. C’mon people, how can I take you seriously. Like much of the media, you have overlooked half of the piece, the back side which calls for UNITY.

Seeing as the billboard has garnered so much attention, she also took to Facebook so explain the reasoning behind it: “Karen’s philosophy and mission as an artist is to raise awareness and resistance, and her hope with the Trumpocalypse installation is to voice the concern and fear of the majority of Americans that our Democracy, and the security and safety of the world, is under great threat as long as Mr Trump remains in the White House.”

Karen Fiorito’s Art PageWELCOME TO THE PAGE OF ARTIST KAREN FIORITO. We are very excited by the feedback, both positive & negative, being generated by Karen’s Phoenix billboard installation, ‘Trumpocalypse’, and we appreciate your passion and support.

The backlash isn’t slowing her down, and Fiorito has stated her intention to create additional installations of the billboard in other cities.