Abraham Lincoln, the 16th American president, continues to make headlines and capture the imagination of the public even 159 years after his time. Recently, a new documentary suggested that Lincoln may have been gay, while a popular Broadway show depicted him as less than honest in his personal life. In a fascinating twist, an eye-catching painting of Lincoln titled “Forever Friday” by artist Lindsay Ekstrom was featured at the Hamptons Art Fair. This $36,000 portrait showcased the Great Emancipator in a modern light, sporting a floral tuxedo jacket, a stylish Rolex watch, a diamond ring, and personalized cufflinks. Ekstrom, known for her unique hipsterized portraits of cultural icons, has also portrayed Lincoln in more contemporary attire such as an Adidas track jacket and jeans.
The painting of Lincoln that was displayed at the Hamptons Art Fair had a tumultuous past of its own. Originally commissioned alongside a portrait of George Washington to hang side by side in a board room, the Lincoln painting went missing during transit. After a lengthy investigation, the stolen artwork was recovered, albeit damaged with a gash in the canvas. Lindsay Ekstrom, the artist behind the piece, made the decision to re-stretch the canvas and repaint it, dubbing the piece “Forever Friday” as a testament to perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Reflecting on the incident, Ekstrom shared some valuable lessons for fellow artists and art enthusiasts. She emphasized the importance of not disclosing the contents of art crates for security reasons, as well as cautioning potential art thieves to exercise more care when handling precious cargo. Despite the setback, Ekstrom’s dedication to her work shone through as she painstakingly restored the damaged painting and put it on display for art lovers in the Hamptons.
Lindsay Ekstrom’s affinity for Abraham Lincoln as a subject goes beyond just artistic expression. In fact, Lincoln was the very first historical figure she painted, a decision that marked the beginning of her creative journey. Ekstrom’s husband, who also serves as the business director of their gallery, LX Artworks, revealed that the reimagined Lincoln piece was a labor of love for the artist. While initially not intending to sell the painting, Ekstrom eventually decided to showcase it at the prestigious Hamptons Art Fair, where it garnered attention and appreciation from attendees.
Abraham Lincoln’s enduring legacy and iconic status in American history continue to inspire artists and creators to explore new interpretations of his persona. Through innovative artworks like Lindsay Ekstrom’s “Forever Friday,” Lincoln’s image is reimagined for a modern audience, blending historical significance with contemporary aesthetics. As pop culture continues to embrace and celebrate figures from the past, Lincoln’s presence remains strong, reminding us of the timeless appeal and relevance of his story.
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