For the past 12 years I have been an owner and co-curator of what arguably is the biggest, and, not arguably because of facts, the first pop culture art gallery in the world - Gallery1988. I have proudly been involved in nurturing and helping artists create careers out of their passions, which has been extremely rewarding and fun to be a part of. But it wasn’t until today, when searching the internet, that I realized exactly what I want to be my artistic legacy to be.
When The Guardian took a tour of presidential candidate Ben Carson’s house this past week, they were shocked by the mass amount of items within his house that acted as shrine to his own life. He had medals and certificates from floor to ceiling, allowing his house to double as an eventual museum that most likely no one will ever want to go to. And what stood out the most was a commissioned portrait in his hallway depicting a young Ben Carson hanging out with Jesus Christ. Ever since seeing it earlier today, I haven’t been able to get it out of my mind. SO MANY QUESTIONS. Why does it look like Jesus is in a bath robe? Why is Jesus’s forehead Klingon? Is this a possible buddy cop movie in development?
To be honest, I’ve thought about the piece so much that I want it for my own house. And I think others will want it too. Therefore, I have personally commissioned professional artist Eugene Kaik to replicate this painting as closely and perfectly as he can. In turn I will sell prints of this piece at Gallery1988 to hang in our homes. I recognize an artistic masterpiece when I see one, and I am planning to make history by recreating this for the masses - the greatest piece of art ever made by man.
Eugene will deliver my final piece this coming week (around Tuesday) and I will keep you updated through my Twitter account, @jensenclan88, on his progress at every step. And then stay tuned to gallery1988.com for the prints so we can can all play tribute to the brain surgeon who believes the pyramids stored grain.