Bruce Elliot is co-owner of the Old Town Ale House, a popular bar in Chicago, and an amateur painter. Bruce has featured over 200 of his paintings on the bar's walls. In September 2008, he painted a nude portrait of Alaska governor Sarah Palin, which created quite a controversy. In December of 2008, Elliott painted a nude portrait of beleaguered Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, and announced he was starting a "Nude Governor Series".Chicago Tribune: ...A Rod Blagojevich 'nude painting'?[ (December 19, 2008) ArtInfo: Blagojevich Portrait the Latest in Chicago Artist's "Nude Governor Series" (December 19, 2008)
The Cavity Search
Bruce Elliott's newest painting shows a handcuffed governor Rod Blagojevich outside a jail cell in a bright orange jumpsuit down around his knees. Two other jump-suited prisoners are in the room. His naked body is painted bright yellow; three policemen stand to the right of him. One of the policemen is pulling on a white (latex) glove and behind another is the seal of the U.S. Department of Justice.WBBM: Old Town Ale House's New Blago Painting (December 19, 2008)
Quotes
"I was stunned when I found out what that criminal complaint [outlined]. Hopefully, someone is going to find this irreverent."—Bruce ElliottChicago Tribune: ...A Rod Blagojevich 'nude painting'?[ (December 19, 2008)
