Decorating While Black: 3 Gallery Walls to Express How Much You’ll Miss the Obamas
President Barack Obama has 107 days left in office, which means you have 106 days to plan how you’re going to honor him and his smart, beautiful family through your interior design scheme.
We’re all well aware of the classic Black American Triptych of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X flanking Black Jesus, but let’s up the ante on your aunties’ decor and celebrate the 21st century Black Jesus – President Obama – through the only medium that transcends race and religion: the gallery wall. Let’s take a look at some classic configurations.
The 9 square gallery wall provides the three picture proportion of the Black Jesus triptych while updating it and expanding it into multiple dimensions. As perfect for rec rooms as it is for war rooms, this composition says “Yes Obama is Black Jesus and possibly better and here are the receipts.” He’s holding two babies, making him twice as good as a classical Madonna; Christ the Redeemer of Rio prays to HIM; he shoots rainbows out of his hands. Let us praise him.
A reflection across the X-axis says what we’re all thinking: you are classy as all getout. It’ll look so good above your fireplace or above a table that ONLY holds decorative African masks and fertility sculptures. This arrangement looks best behind something, so a muted black and white palette keeps it in the background while also subtly hinting at the current racial climate in America. Also note the playful use of the mirror photo by Pete Souza: a literal reflection in a figurative reflection. Your mom will really relish that one.
Have some fun! Spirals are fun so use this pattern to showcase your favorite fun photos of Barack and Michelle. And hey, throw in the Black Obama Jesus too to appease your Grampdaddy who literally believes that Obama is Black Jesus.
