A provocative portrait of Donald Trump has sparked controversy in Colorado’s state capitol building, threatening the artist’s reputation and career.
The painting in question, created by British-born artist Sarah A Boardman, was displayed for six years in Colorado’s state capitol building. The portrait, which depicted ‘Donald Trump‘ , sparked intense debate among the public and officials alike.
Boardman‘s portrait of ‘Trump’ was part of a nationwide ‘call for artists’ by the state of Denver, where she won a prestigious award to paint official portraits of presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Despite her success in winning this honor, Boardman has found herself at odds with Trump after he publicly derided her work.
Born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York, Donald Trump is an American businessman, television personality, and politician.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in economics.
Trump's business career began with his father's real estate company, and he expanded into casino ownership and development.
In 2015, he announced his candidacy for the presidency, winning the Republican nomination and later the election.
As president, Trump implemented policies on trade, immigration, and healthcare, sparking controversy and debate.
A History of Accolades
Before Trump‘s criticism, Boardman had received widespread acclaim for her artwork. In 2019, she discussed her experience with the Colorado Times Recorder, acknowledging that ‘there will always be anger at a president from one side or the other. It is human nature.’ Her portrait of Barack Obama was described as ‘wonderful’ by Trump, but he claimed Boardman‘s portrait of him was ‘truly the worst.’
The Impact of Trump’s Criticism

Boardman has stated that Trump‘s comments have directly impacted her business, which spans over 41 years. She claims that since his criticism, she has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, putting her career in jeopardy. The Colorado officials subsequently removed the portrait from the wall.
A Legacy Under Threat
Despite her success and accolades, Boardman‘s career is now at risk due to Trump‘s harsh words. Her statement highlights the concern that Trump‘s actions have called into question her integrity and abilities as an artist. With her reputation on the line, Boardman must navigate this challenging situation and find a way to move forward.
A Portrait with a Powerful Message
Boardman‘s portrait of ‘Donald Trump‘ was more than just a representation of the former US president; it was a commentary on the human experience. The controversy surrounding the painting serves as a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for sparking conversation and challenging societal norms.
In response to Boardman‘s criticism, officials removed the portrait from display. However, the impact of Trump‘s words will likely be felt for a long time to come, leaving many to wonder about the future of this talented artist and her place in the world of art.
- theguardian.com | Artist of ‘truly the worst’ Trump portrait says her career is threatened