caricature of President Obama clinging with both hands on to a sign reading "EXIT", while a tentacle emerging from the ground, with "IRAQ" on the side, is twisted around and pulling on his PL leg

%C2%A9 Kevin Kallaugher KAL. All rights reserved.

The Grip of Despair, September 18, 2014

expand_more

Graphite on paperexpand_more

Gift of Kevin KAL Kallaugherexpand_more  2014.126.2

Not on Viewexpand_more

Working in the tradition of the great 19th-century French caricaturist Honoré Daumier, Kal’s political cartoons combine insightful wit, biting political criticism, and masterful draftsmanship. This cartoon depicts the impossibility of President Obama’s exit strategy from the Iraq war. Using Obama’s body as a metaphor for the conflict, Kal depicts the president stretched across the paper (or the world), with his feet stuck in Iraq and his hands gripping an exit sign on the other side of the sheet. The pose is exhausting and unsustainable for the president, so his expression is weary and fatigued. Despite his efforts to lead the U.S. out of Iraq, Obama cannot extricate himself.

Details
Title
The Grip of Despair
Artist Life
born 1955
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2014.126.2
Provenance
The artist, 2014, who produced the drawing at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts; given to MIA, 2014
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

caricature of President Obama clinging with both hands on to a sign reading "EXIT", while a tentacle emerging from the ground, with "IRAQ" on the side, is twisted around and pulling on his PL leg

© Kevin Kallaugher KAL. All rights reserved.

Because of © restrictions, we can only show you a small image of this artwork.