Chris McLinden
This sculpture was conceived as a direct response to the conclusion of President Donald Trump’s first term in office. Imagined as a symbolic leaving gift, the work reflects on the legacy and consequences of his presidency. Although envisioned as something that could be sent to the White House, it was never intended to be delivered.
The chair represents the President’s seat in the Oval Office, traditionally a symbol of authority, stability, and leadership. Here, however, the chair has been cut in half and reassembled in deliberate misalignment, signifying division, imbalance, and dysfunction. Separating the front and rear sections of the chair is a screen formed from the US flag, acting as both a physical and conceptual barrier.
The rear half of the sculpture addresses the prioritisation of Trump’s business interests, suggesting a feeding of corporate entities rather than service to the people of the United States. In contrast, the front half represents what should have been the benefits and responsibilities owed to the public.
Within the flag screen, the traditional stars representing US states have been replaced with Trump Organization logos, transforming a national emblem into a symbol of commercial branding. A single red stripe runs continuously from the rear cushion — through the centre of the flag — and into the front cushion, visually linking private interests to public consequence.
The image on the front cushion references the final outcome of Trump’s first term, alluding to the Capitol Building riotas a defining moment and symbolic culmination of the period. Together, these elements form a critical reflection on power, division, and the lasting impact of leadership.
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