Thursday, October 22, 2009

Authority Portrait

I like this image (courtesy NYT) for the painting in the background. It reminds me a little of those donor portraits of old. I like how clearly you see Mr. Abdullah sitting in his idyll with earnest Afghanis, witnessing a debate among the people, but focused on the viewer beyond the fourth wall, wristwatch gleaming from the only believable light source in the painting. Then again, maybe it is a huge tableau in which we are only seeing the part when Mr. Abdulla is in repose after having lectured/debated his brains out.

If I were president (or hoped to be, or already were without knowing it) I would just do away with the nationals having a discussion. I appreciate a little more directness .

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