By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
AN artist’s unflattering depiction of the Prime Minister is causing a stir as it compares Perry Christie to Germany’s Nazi leader Adolf Hitler as a way of expressing disillusionment with his “failed promises and leadership”.
Everette Mackey, 26, submitted his painting, “Proven”, as part of The Central Bank of The Bahamas’ Annual Art Competition and Exhibition. Winners of the competition were announced on Friday evening during an event attended by about 60 people.
Since images of the controversial painting were posted on Facebook, Mr Mackey’s painting has attracted thousands of likes and hundreds of comments on the social media website, with some offering praise while others called it tasteless and disrespectful.
Among other things, the image features Mr Christie with a long nose evoking the character Pinocchio while wearing a tie of the flag of China and performing a Nazi salute.
In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr Mackey said he is undeterred by the strong reaction his painting has elicited, noting that even some employees of the Central Bank were offended by his work.
“On Friday night, I was the only one with no name tag on my painting. Someone who worked there kept taking my name tag and bio down every day and people who worked there were getting upset with having to see it every day.”
Mr Mackey said he never expected to win the competition, which comes with a $7,500 prize and an opportunity to host an art show at a gallery next year.
He said he simply wanted “to convey what many people in the country feel” about Mr Christie’s leadership.
“I knew it was going to get a reaction but I didn’t expect it to go that far,” he said. “But it’s getting that kind of attention because it’s true. The only people who would hate it are those who are strong supporters of the PLP. Every Bahamian I’ve come into contact with feels we can’t say anything that will make a difference in this country so I did the painting so I could speak for those people. I knew I wouldn’t win and I had no intentions of winning. They wouldn’t have been able to keep that up in the Central Bank.”
In discussing the various aspects of his painting, he said the Pinocchio comparison speaks to promises Mr Christie has made and not kept.
“He (Mr Christie) said we will get more jobs and that the crime rate would go down. Instead, everything actually went up.
“The number houses, they said we would vote and although we did, the number houses still here,” he said, referring to the 2013 gambling referendum.
As for the aspect of the painting which shows a plane carrying the sign “Believe in VAT,” he said the plane is headed toward space to depict the “inevitable rise of VAT rates”.
On social media, some questioned whether it was appropriate for The Central Bank of the Bahamas to include the painting as part of its artist exhibition.
PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts declined to comment on the matter when contacted yesterday.
Comments
B_I_D___ 9 years, 2 months ago
More like 'Priceless'!!
Sickened 9 years, 2 months ago
Excellent!
ohdrap4 9 years, 2 months ago
fella better make sure he goes and gets an expedited electronic passport.
Islandgirl 9 years, 2 months ago
I hope he actually already has it. You know how petty this crew is. Victimization in full force.
Stapedius 9 years, 2 months ago
Let's not get so worked up people it's art. Some of us may not agree with the artist or think it's distasteful. That being said, this is what art is suppose to do. It evokes an emotional response from the viewer. I still don't get why Bahamians take offense to everything.
B_I_D___ 9 years, 2 months ago
Yeap...and knowing how these power trip government people go (on both sides) this artist will likely get victimized like CRAZY for 'speaking' his mind through his art. It's a sad world we live in.
Publius 9 years, 2 months ago
Exactly 100% correct @stapedius re: art, its nature, its purpose, its muse
bahamianadvocate 9 years, 2 months ago
Good work Mackey, maybe it will make perry realize how many of us in the country feels about his leadership
DillyTree 9 years, 2 months ago
I thought journalism was meant to be unbiased, so I am very disappointed with The Tribune's headline of "Tasteless".
Wrong!
Bitter pills are hard to swallow, but Mr. Mackey has courageously depicted what many Bahamians are thinking and feeling. Kudos to you, Mr. Mackey.
Now maybe we can start to have a conversation about this like grown-ups and really hold Mr. Christie and the PLP's feet to the fire and start demanding answers for the dictatorship and failed leadership they have given the long-suffering people of the Bahamas. We deserve better, but unless we speak up, we will have the same lies and half-truths spoon fed to us for years to come.
Publius 9 years, 2 months ago
I agree with you about the Tribune's choice of headline.
sealice 9 years, 2 months ago
I agree the paper should have put "excellent rendition of the current political state" or something along that line, cus it's not tasteless at all - got flava like KFC bey!!!
jlcandu 9 years, 2 months ago
I don't think this is tasteless at all. It is an artist's impression of the current mentality that exists in this country by most thinking Bahamians. Excellent job!!!
EasternGate 9 years, 2 months ago
On what authority Central Bank employees are interfering with this young Bahamian's work of "timely" art? They need to question if the Governor is ultra vires to the constitution!
sansoucireader 9 years, 2 months ago
I have heard, from people in the art world, that Central Bank employees regularly have 'a problem' with work in the art gallery. First of all, many can't understand by there is even an art gallery and feel that funds used to maintain it and have various shows should go towards their salaries and not art.
proudloudandfnm 9 years, 2 months ago
The choice of hitler was a bad one. But the message is correct. When Perry ignored the referendum he became a dictator....
Too bad if he doesn't like the painting.
It is true. Perry is a dictator....
Ask Rodney and Cash....
EnoughIsEnough 9 years, 2 months ago
i agree with many of the above comments - shame on the tribune for describing this as Tasteless. That is not their choice to make as media. They are making the statement as it is fact - it is not. it is art and thereby subjective. i lose respect for this paper more and more each day. where are the managing editors? they should have titled it something like "artists portrayal of Christie stirs debate/controversy/emotions".
and i completely support the artist in his freedom of expression and courage. good for him!
TalRussell 9 years, 2 months ago
Of course the Comrade Artist is portraying PM Christie as ready to round up all members of Her Majesty's Official Opposition Red Party and throw them in a concentration camp on Crooked island - that is after the red party does carry out its promised official act, if returned to power comer 2017, to banish all its current islander residents.
Weird as it sounds, judging by the number red bloogers making their positions known against the PM, they themselves must also believe what Artist Mackey seems to believe about the Hitler ways of our nation's PM.
Please Lord Jesus, talk some common sense in these red heads, cuz apparently it's called freedom of expression to portray the PM as another Hitler but not for a newspaper to decide the story headline it will use.
Of course any artist should maintain the freedom of expression to paint whatever they wish but it does not mean you have to buy it - that is unless you're a member red party - then it becomes your duty.
TruePeople 9 years, 2 months ago
Tal - If yuh seeing too much red you need go check a doctor
TalRussell 9 years, 2 months ago
Comrade TruePeople it is my hope you will take the time to read up to better understand what a Nazi Germany was all about before comparing our nation's PM to Hitler and his killers. The stories about Holocaust victims are there for you and your fellow red bloggers reading. May I suggest you take along Artist Mackey, cuz he too sure lacks in Nazi reading materials. Please don't read da books with red covers cuz they is fictional.
banker 9 years, 2 months ago
Every single Bahamian is a victim of the PLP Holocaust starting with Lyndon Oscar Swindling.
TalRussell 9 years, 2 months ago
Comrade Banker you need take time out cleanse your head of artist expressions to go sit on that damn 'dock" of Izmirlian's. Da Atlantic Ocean's breeze goin clear your thinking process.
banker 9 years, 2 months ago
The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is. And you can learn this by sitting on the dock of the bay.
Sickened 9 years, 2 months ago
Was it Perry's goons who just burned down a shanty town? I hope not.
The_Oracle 9 years, 2 months ago
Rabid Red and Febrile Yellow is the problem in the Bahamas. We have got to stop blaming Government for every damn thing and realize we have given them free license with our rabid support. Persecution is alive and well in this country, hidden hands roll the dice with peoples potential and future, ethics left the halls of Parliament decades ago. This depiction of Christie did not need Hitler incorporated to show his dictatorial tendencies, but the artist has the message, and we shall see how much effort is made to suppress, censor art or artists. His depiction may well be prophetic.
asiseeit 9 years, 2 months ago
He should have compared Perry to Zimbabwe's Mugabe.
GrassRoot 9 years, 2 months ago
no fan of PGC, but comparing him to Hitler is tasteless and lowest level possible. However Pinocchio I like. Spot on. The nose is growing so fast and so long, we have finally enough wood to run a good waste to energy plant and deliver the power to the World.
sansoucireader 9 years, 2 months ago
Necktie of CHINA'S flag is a nice touch too. The artist put a lot of thought into the symbolism of many things in this painting.
John 9 years, 2 months ago
So what does the hibiscus represent. Did the artist have to go into hiding?
MonkeeDoo 9 years, 2 months ago
I think that it would make a great RED Campaign Banner. Hang it at every RED Rally. The nose will have to be longer by 2017 though. Maybe some red ash on the end with a bit of smoke !
John 9 years, 2 months ago
actually the artist said the hibiscus pistal is an assault rifle the represents crime, and the flower itself represents the 'pretty picture' government is trying to paint about crime..powerful. The necktie with the Chinese flag represents the strangle hold the Chinese are putting on this country.
banker 9 years, 2 months ago
Love the bishop there in the picture. God bless the artist. It is obvious that only smart Bahamians are in no mood to be deceived any longer by the crafty devil and false character whose greatest pleasure is to take advantage of everyone. I wish that the eyes of the blind PLP supporters would be opened to see this. But alas, you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him think.
moree1966 9 years, 2 months ago
Loud and Clear. The plane truth does hurt, doesn't it Big Bad Ugly Brad
Publius 9 years, 2 months ago
It is a very well thought out piece.
kaytaz 9 years, 2 months ago
Great I love this painting. ....tired of PGC and this worthless crew
BahamaPundit 9 years, 2 months ago
For the first time in many years, I am proud to be Bahamian. This painting makes me proud. Finally, Bahamians are waking up. Boy, it sure took a long time.
The_Oracle 9 years, 2 months ago
Comparing Perry to Hitler while harsh is interesting though, in that they both are/were out of touch with reality towards the end, both are/were surrounded by people who lie and mis-represent themselves and the reality within their portfolios to them, both micromanage(d) their countries into the dump, both present(ed) a fairy tale utopia not attainable but at great cost to their countries. Hitler massacred millions and caused the deaths of millions of others, Perry (so far) has routed shanty towns. Well, Perry has Fred for that really but Hitler had Goebbels et al. The more interesting comparison would be the Bahamian people vs. the German people. Both swallowed the B.S. wholesale, and blindly went along for the ride.
birdiestrachan 9 years, 2 months ago
To begin with the painting is a Big Lie. If it were TRUE it would not have been displayed in the first place. So DEMOCRACY is alive and well in the Bahamas. But if it makes mean spirited FNMS happy, why not?. It is a mean spirited expression. Perhaps Mr: Mackey will pass it around from house to house so that they will all have a chance to hang it on their living room walls. Now that will be really special.
MonkeeDoo 9 years, 2 months ago
birdie: you are a complete and unadulterated idiot. I am very surprised that you can actually construct a sentence while at the same time supporting the PLP. You are the biggest part of the Bahamian Problem.
ED 9 years, 2 months ago
birdiestrachan, you are delusional or benefiting.
The painting is a sign that we can't take it any longer...we are waking up. This painting is harsh only if you are blinded to the harm this government is doing to our people and country. There are many, many more people in this country that feel what this painting represents but as we know.... victimization / loss of opportunity awaits those that dare speak up. I speak everyday to people who can only shake their heads at this government that COULD have been something good for us but instead decided to follow the same path of those before them. Corruption, deceit, incompetence and selfishness..
Those that are offended by this painting are part of the problem in this country. They are no doubt part of that "D" average holding positions that they are not qualified for and one of those benefiting family, friends and lovers. This artist took a great risk in the name of those that couldn't, he showed us that we are not alone.
cmiller 9 years, 2 months ago
I love the painting!!! The lying and deceit depicted effectively. I'm so glad he also included the bishop in this....that political, lying hack!!!!
SP 9 years, 2 months ago
........................ Artist simply depict reality of peoples consciousness ...................
The image featuring Mr. Christie with a long nose evoking the character Pinocchio while wearing a tie of the flag of China and performing a Nazi salute was only missing him dancing around starving, depraved people.
Its art dummies! Are freedom of speech and freedom of expression dead in the Bahamas?
Ignoramuses calling the painting tasteless and disrespectful are obviously yellow shirt patriots addicted to the "all is well flavored cool aid" making them oblivious to the never seen before level of pain and suffering of the masses in the Bahamas.
The controversy surrounding this painting will make it a sought after piece, and certainly a valuable addition to a discerning collectors collection.
BahamaPundit 9 years, 2 months ago
When has a Bahamian leader done something worthy of respect. Respect must be earned. All I hear from them are excuses: 6 billion dollars gone, and I don't know where it went. Crime is high as hell, but I don't know how to stop it. Your VAT money is safe, but you cant see how I'm spending it. What a bunch of pretenders. If you can't solve the problem you were hired to fix, then resign.
banker 9 years, 2 months ago
This picture should go on our money.
SP 9 years, 2 months ago
............................................... LOL! ..........................................
Best idea of the decade!!
TalRussell 9 years, 2 months ago
Comrades Minnia & Loretta from red party, why the silence in not denouncing Artist Mackey's painting, not for its lack of artistic quality but for its Nazi overtones towards the nation's PM. Be warned that this is not the only artist we have in Bahamaland who you shouldn't be motivating to release their very own red party leadership cartoons.
I have one really funny particular cartoon in that comes to immediate mind that involves a certain two red House MP's sleeping on the job. Can you imagine the uproar that would have been calling for the immediate firings had an actual real photographed been circulated of a she and he civil servant sleeping on his and her jobs?
Be careful what you wish for - cuz some among of us are artistically inclined. Talk about nasty funny.
How about a cartoon featuring ALL the red characters believed to have been touched by that alleged 600 thousand paid in US dollars BEC Bribe? Now, that ai't so funny - is it.
SP 9 years, 2 months ago
Pictured with Brent and Hubert front and center or on either end?
birdiestrachan 9 years, 2 months ago
I never said I had any problem with the painting, being a "D" graded and all. Which of you would like to be first to hang it on their living room wall. it is evil. it is amazing how evil seems to over come good. What about the person who won the award. Why is there no mention of that.? The bottom lie is still the painting is a LIE. it was allowed to be on display, it would never happen under Hitler's Germany.
KareemC9 9 years, 2 months ago
The painting speaks volume as it relates to the current time in the country, where there is even less trust and admiration for our "Leader". Amazingly, in 2015 we are still worried about victimization because of the ass-backward leadership we have in this country where one's right to freedom of speech can so easily be impeded upon depending on who is the Government of the day. To this I say thank you Mr. Pindling, you have taught pupils well, they have mastered the ability to weave that wand of spiteful vindictive controller over the masses to effect their desired outcome.
CatIslandBoy 9 years, 2 months ago
Birdie, does it ever make you wonder why you are always the lone dissenting voice (other than your alter ego Tal) on these blogs. Maybe, just maybe, one time, you are completely out of step with the rest of us?
themessenger 9 years, 2 months ago
Swallowing the stuff the PLP has been shoveling all these years has become an addiction to people like Birdie and others of that ilk to the extent that without a steady diet of it withdrawal symptoms set in. As Banker commented, you can lead an ass to water but you can't make him drink or think.
shah242 9 years, 2 months ago
2015 Dante's Inferno.. #CLASSIC, #PRICELESS,#TALENT AT ITS BEST.
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