NPQ, Spring 2009

BACK STORY: Public opinion toward the US was showing a serious decline in Europe, Latin America, and, most dramatically, across the entire Muslim world. Obama had been in office a few months and he had a chance to move the country from exporting fear, to inspiring hope and optimism. In the wake of the US’ unilateral military invasions during the Bush presidency, Obama had plans to invest in soft power, and focus on global public goods. The US would now lead the world under “Obama’s Smart Power.”

I started by drawing a simple line art image of Obama. I then collaged images of the Taliban, the Iraqi army, a Muslim mosque, a map of Afghanistan, and Osama bin Laden, who is hidden in Obama’s face. The type and color are meant to look and feel like a revolutionary message.