LBJ at MoMA, New York

myminifactory

Marisol's wood construction vividly depicts United States president Lyndon B. Johnson grasping diminutive portraits of his wife and two daughters in the palm of his hand. The artist skillfully renders their smiling faces on forms shaped after gray house wrens—a nod to Johnson's wife, known affectionately as Lady Bird. In stark contrast, Marisol’s portrayal of LBJ is biting: he appears as a blockhead, characterized by a grimacing face and protruding ears, nose, and chin. His imposing, coffinlike figure seems to evoke the circumstances surrounding his presidency—the assassination of John F. Kennedy—and his contentious role directing the Vietnam War. LBJ was created at the height of Johnson’s unpopularity, a time when he reflected on his presidency saying, "I am a commanding personality, and when I achieve my goals, I don't always please everyone." This object is part of the "Scan The World" initiative. Scan The World is a non-profit endeavor introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital repository of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks, and landmarks from across the globe for public access at no cost. Scan The World is an open-source, community-driven effort; if you have intriguing items around you and wish to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to learn how you can participate. Scanned using photogrammetry (processed with Agisoft PhotoScan).