The household of American artist Thomas Kinkade is pushing again on the Division of Homeland Safety’s (DHS) use of the late artist’s portray to advertise what the household views as an anti-immigrant message.
In a statement posted to the Kinkade Family Foundation website, the household stated DHS did not get authorization earlier than posting an image of Kinkade’s portray on social media on July 1. The household is now weighing its authorized choices.
“The usage of his art work was unauthorized, and we’ve requested that DHS take away the publish, and we’re consulting with our counsel on our choices,” the assertion stated.
The portray depicts younger kids strolling to highschool in a quintessential American city. A number of kids collect round a flagpole as they increase the American flag, and a few place their arms over their hearts. The portray known as “Morning Pledge.”
DHS posted a picture of the portray and added: “Defend the Homeland.”
The DHS social media web page has touted the company’s immigration enforcement efforts and mass deportation marketing campaign and infrequently highlights depictions of immigrants as criminals.
The household objected to Kinkade’s legacy being related to that message.
“At The Kinkade Household Basis, we strongly condemn the sentiment expressed within the publish and the deplorable actions that DHS continues to hold out,” the muse wrote within the assertion.
“Like lots of you, we had been deeply troubled to see this picture used to advertise division and xenophobia related to the beliefs of DHS, as that is antithetical to our mission,” the assertion continued. “We stand firmly with our communities who’ve been threatened and focused by DHS, particularly our immigrant, BIPOC, undocumented, LGBTQ+, and disabled relations and neighbors.”
The Washington Submit first reported on the muse’s assertion Tuesday.
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin advised the Submit that the company is highlighting art work that “celebrates America’s heritage and historical past.”
“If the media wants a historical past lesson on the courageous women and men who blazed the paths and cast this republic from the sweat of their forehead, we’re joyful to ship them a historical past textbook,” she stated within the assertion to the Submit. “This administration is unapologetically happy with American historical past and American heritage.”
The Hill has contacted the muse and DHS for remark.