New Era
Every painting in Chronicle of an Unquiet Age documents the defining events, people, and issues that shaped its moment in history. Created in real time as events unfolded, each work serves as both an original oil painting and a historical record, reflecting the belief that the news of today is the history of tomorrow.
TRTA-2024-100 | August-September 2024 | Oil on Canvas | 32" x 26"
The end of August and beginning of September 2024 we see the aftermath of the Butler assassination attempt and amid rapidly shifting campaign dynamics. Questions of security, leadership, party direction, and national resilience now shaped the race in new ways, while voters recalculated what the months ahead might bring. Is Democrat defamatory rhetoric putting Trump in danger? There is a second assassination attempt on Trump's life as Ryan Routh is arrested September 10th after attempting to kill President Trump at Trump International Golf Club. Shots were fired as Trump was golfing in Palm Beach, Florida. New Era captures the sense that the political landscape had entered a different phase. A renewed debate over the future direction of the country are layered together to portray a nation adjusting to a big change in circumstances. VP Kamala Harris selects Governor Tim Waltz of Minnesota as her running mate tapping a midwestern progressive to join her on the ticket. The Democrats rally around Harris/Walz at the Democrat Convention 2024 in Chicago
August 10-22nd. Governor Walz is not without controversy. Called "Tampon Tim" due to his decision to allow tampons in boys bathrooms, let Minneapolis burn during the George Floyd riots and his stolen valor as he lies about his militsry service. September 10th ABC moderates the Trump Harris debate in Philadelphia. Americans are asking what does Kamala stand for? She is definitely distancing herself from Biden and her word salads are on full display. RFK Jr. drops out of the Presidential race and endorses Trump. Former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard endorses Trump as well. Sean "Diddy" Combs is arrested on charges that include bribery, forced labor, sex trafficking, arson, kidnapping and buying way too much baby oil. On September 25th NY Mayor Eric Adams is indicted on Federal charges of bribery, illegal campaign contributions from foreign nationals and corruption. Adams is the first NYC Mayor to face criminal charges while in office. New Era suggests transition rather than certainty. Whether temporary or lasting, the painting preserves a moment when many Americans felt the old assumptions of the election year had been broken and a new chapter was beginning.
