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British Artist Benjamin Shine Creates Unique Obama Portrait

New York's Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) has unveiled a new and evocative portrait of President Barack Obama in celebration of his inauguration and the historic change it signifies. The portrait, entitled "Changing States," by award-winning artist and designer Benjamin Shine, is constructed from the material of a retired American flag woven through mesh fabric, providing a poignant and powerful image of the 44th President.

Inspired by Obama's passion and optimism throughout the 2008 presidential campaign, Shine drew on the social, cultural and political influences the President achieved throughout the United States when conceptualizing the portrait's design.

"It seemed appropriate to use the nation's flag, the fabric of America, reconfigured to reflect the positive notions of change and the aspirations to rebuild the United States," Shine said. "Changing States" was officially unveiled at the Museum of Arts and Design shortly after the Inauguration ceremony on January 20th.

"We are pleased to be able to honor President Obama by giving visibility to Benjamin Shine's portrait and by offering the unique products Shine created to accompany his piece," said Franci Sagar, Director and Vice President of Retail and Brand Development at MAD.

A selection of commemorative products, including a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle, poster, and "Changing States" t-shirt, inspired by the original artwork, is available at The Store at the Museum of Arts and Design as well as at Barnes & Noble stores and bn.com.

For nearly half a century, the Museum of Art & Design has served as the country's premiere institution dedicated to the collection and exhibition of contemporary objects created in media such as clay, glass, wood, metal, and fiber.

Please contact Stafford Scott at 504.491.4249 or stafford@skewedcommunications.com if you have any questions or would like additional photographs or to set up an interview. Please visit www.benjaminshine.com for further information.

About Benjamin Shine
London native Benjamin Shine studied fashion design at The Surrey Institute of Art and Design and St Martins in London. Fashion, textiles and constructional ideas continue to inform Benjamin's style and broad creative vision, establishing a multi-disciplined design approach that strives for purposeful, memorable and timeless design through innovation and originality. His works are exhibited in public locations including Deutsche Bank, Woburn Abbey, The New Zealand High Commission and the contemporary design brand Ligne Roset. His invention, CORDZ, a versatile and re-useable drawing product for children was awarded Top Creative Toy 2007. The Canberra Times says, "Shine does not so much stretch the boundaries as step over them."


About Museum of Arts and Design
The Museum of Arts and Design explores how art, craft and design intersect in the visual arts today. The Museum focuses on contemporary creativity and the ways in which artists and designers from around the world transform materials through processes ranging from the handmade to cutting-edge technologies.

The Museum's exhibition program explores and illuminates issues and ideas, highlights creativity and craftsmanship, and celebrates the limitless potential of materials and techniques when used by creative and innovative artists. MAD's permanent collection is global in scope and focuses on art, craft, and design from 1950 to the present day.

All proceeds from the sales of The Store support the exhibitions and educational programs of the Museum of Arts and Design. More information can be found a www.madmuseum.org.



Stafford Scott Skewed Communications, LLC 504-491-4249 cell www.skewedcommunications.com