British Artist to Unveil Controversial Artwork in NYC on Inauguration Day
In the display, the Abraham Lincoln statue is depicted with clown-like makeup and shamanic horns, drawing parallels to figures associated with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
On January 20, 2025, British artist Ben Turnbull, in collaboration with his artistic alter ego Candidate Q, is set to present an unauthorized public artwork titled 1/6/21 in New York City. The display coincides with the presidential inauguration and aims to explore themes of nationalism, propaganda, and political unrest.
The artwork, which will appear as part of a wildposting campaign, features a reinterpretation of the Abraham Lincoln statue, juxtaposed against contemporary American imagery. Lincoln is depicted with clown-like makeup and shamanic horns, drawing parallels to figures associated with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Additional elements, including a popcorn bucket and a crushed Coca-Cola can, contribute to the piece’s commentary on passive spectatorship during times of societal turmoil.
At the statue’s base, a chaotic scene unfolds with shadowy comic book-inspired figures and symbols of destruction. A faceless figure wielding a hammer marked with a swastika stands prominently, while two children and a rendition of Captain America observe the statue, evoking themes of innocence and the impact of political narratives on future generations.
Turnbull, known for his collage-style works critiquing American culture and politics, has drawn inspiration from various media, including Alan Parker’s adaptation of Pink Floyd’s The Wall and the animations of Gerald Scarfe. His latest work under the Candidate Q persona represents a shift toward experimental and guerrilla-style artistic interventions.
The artwork is expected to provoke a range of responses, with Turnbull anticipating potential acts of defacement or critique as part of the piece’s broader commentary on political division. The 1/6/21 project serves as a precursor to Rebirth of a Nation, a larger exhibition scheduled to take place in London from March 24 to April 10, 2025.
Turnbull, a British contemporary artist, has exhibited his work internationally, including at the Saatchi Gallery and VOLTA New York. His Candidate Q persona, introduced as an artistic reinvention, seeks to challenge conventional narratives through anonymity and direct public engagement.