10
Loading video...
By Anna Skinner and Leonardo Feldman
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
A flamingo-themed artwork on display at the Great American State Fair is drawing attention for its unexpected inspiration: the July 2024 assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at the Butler, Pennsylvania, rally shooting as he campaigned for his second term and its aftermath.
In the artwork, a flamingo is outlined in red, green, blue, yellow, white and black colors on a gold background. The flamingo appears to have a halo over its head, and it is also holding what appears to be a gun with one of its legs. Text on the left side of the artwork reads "FIGHT," and on the right side reads "1776" and "2026" in red, white, and blue.
Great American Art Competition Project Director Adam Thompson created the piece, which he said was inspired by the assassination attempt.
Read More on U.S.
"It's a response back to that," he told Newsweek.
...
The assassination attempt that inspired the piece occurred on July 13, 2024, during an outdoor campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show Grounds near Butler, Pennsylvania. A 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop with an AR-style rifle, firing multiple rounds toward the stage and striking Trump in the upper right ear.
Moments after a bullet grazed his ear, Trump defiantly raised his fist and shouted, "Fight! Fight! Fight!"
...
The attack killed one rally attendee, Corey Comperatore, and critically injured others before law enforcement and Secret Service counter-snipers shot and killed the shooter within seconds.
Trump was quickly shielded by agents, treated for his injuries, and released from a hospital later that day. The incident prompted multiple federal and congressional investigations into security failures and marked one of the most serious attacks on a U.S. political figure in decades.
What Is the Great American Art Competition?
The piece is among many on display at the Great American Art Competition, an effort to "showcase patriotic art that embodies the American spirit, inspire pride across the country, and light a path for young artists as they begin their careers," according to the event's website.
"We are not only exhibiting art from all over the United States, we are exhibiting all kinds of art. There's architecture and sculpture and drawing and painting," Thompson told Newsweek. "We even have a veteran represented here. We are trying to represent a broad swath of the people of the United States."
Great American State Fair Artist Compares American Flag to Sistine Chapel
Other artwork on display is also inspiring strong messages from artists. For example, artist Scott LoBaido brought a massive 9-foot-by-nearly-18-foot framed canvas to the event and is currently painting the American flag on it. He told Newsweek he has been painting the American flag for 30 years.
"I worship this flag, and people will criticize me for worshiping a flag...but this is to me the greatest work of art," LoBaido told Newsweek. "I've seen the Sistine Chapel, I cried when I saw it...but the greatest work of art is the star-spangled banner."
Freedom 250 Criticism as States, Musicians Opt Out
The “Great American State Fair,” billed as a centerpiece of the Freedom 250 celebrations marking the nation’s 250th anniversary, has faced criticism over cost, politics and participation. Several states opted not to take part, citing the expense of staffing and operating exhibits for the 16‑day event, while some officials also raised concerns that the fair had become overly partisan rather than a unifying national celebration. At the same time, the event has been dogged by broader controversies, including the collapse of its original concert lineup after multiple performers withdrew.
Great American State Fair Feedback From Attendees
Fair attendees told Newsweek they thought the fair was “fantastic” and complimented the fair’s cleanliness and organization.
“This is the greatest country in the world, and I wouldn’t miss [the fair] for the world,” one woman told Newsweek.
Some people traveled from states away just for the fair. Several attendees praised the booths highlighting each of the 50 states, with attendees complimenting the Wisconsin, Arizona, and Florida booths.
“I think it’s awesome they have the different states together, and it gives you a little insight of what goes on at all the states,” another woman told Newsweek.
What Happens Next
Artwork is on display at the American Canvas pavilion. The Great American State Fair runs through July 10 along the National Mall in Washington, D.C. General admission is free, and the event is open to the public daily.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines