This is a noble project—and a terrific set of paintings. It is said that art holds the mirror to life. Elizabeth McClancy’s portraits have eloquently captured some essential kernel of each of the politicians she painted. And in much the same way, her clever juxtaposition of the words and images of such a complex and varied group has vividly rendered a picture of the Democratic Party heading into 2008—ready to help America be America again, and ready to lead. 
Senator John F. Kerry

Historically, political art has taken many forms – works created to reveal the depths to which society has fallen from its stated ideals…and art that is meant to awaken the better angels of our natures. …Both these approaches assume an outsiders perspective. …McClancy reminds us of the beliefs that should be the bedrock of American policy, dramatizing these through the interplay of images and words, she demonstrates that art has a place in the dead center  of our political system.
Eleanor Heartney, Art Critic and Historian

We may not be mired in a depression, but the economic and social lot befalling too many of us indicates just by itself the need for some sort of Renewed Deal. Similarly, the rut art has driven itself into calls for a new clarity of reason and motivation. McClancy has forged one way of responding to both these calls, proposing a practice that transcends mere painting and mere propaganda and yet serves the ideals of both art and politics. Indeed, she conceives of her series as itself an integral project, one derived from and addressing artistic and political issues equally. Like politics, McClancy believes, art does not simply result from but incorporates its generative process, so that, ultimately, one does not (or ought not) simply see a picture when looking at one, but sees—or knows, or senses—everything that has gone into the making of that picture. And in this, she views art making, like policy making (and king making), as a result-driven chain of events.
Peter Frank, Curator, Riverside Art Museum


At the invitation of Chris Kennedy, the paintings & book recently debuted as a featured exhibition at The Artist Project.  Like Art Chicago, it is part of Chicago’s renowned ARTropolis (http://www.theartistproject.com/events.html).  The following comments were selected from among those formally registered by viewers who asked to be kept abreast of the Project. They belie the visceral centrality of principle and courageous leadership to the electorate as well as the profound impact of the paintings and quotes.
o   “Very moving!  I feel re-inspired to hang in there for a Democratic win in November.”
o   “This needs to be heard and seen.”
o  “Your work was the most impressive and insightful experience of my 3 tours of ARTropolis.
o   "Masterful.  Painterly expression of a strong emotional subject.”
o   “You’ve made it better in the world because we get to see these.”
o   “GREAT EXHIBIT FOR OUR TIME!”o    “The most moving experience-- thank you for all, especially the Paul Wellstone quote”
o    “The most powerful work here- the idea, the technique - awesome!!”
o    “Politics in painting!  Powerful!”
o    “Just - beyond adjectives”
o    “God Save The Union”
o    “Brilliant and powerful – a great portrait of our time”
o    “Very moving!  The painting plus the quotations are so intense.  Wow!”
o    “We’ve been upstairs and everywhere and this is the best thing we’ve seen.”
o   “Portraits are portraits and photos are photos, but these have a …humanity in them.”
o   “Great exhibit of modern day ‘Profiles in Courage’.”
o   “Absolutely blown away.”
o   “How wonderful – definitely needed.”
o   “PRAGMATIC BEAUTY – A HOME RUN”
o  “You’re the buzz of the show – a big hit with the “Next” artists downstairs, who wouldn’t necessarily be interested in this sort of thing.”
o   “This is wonderful – it’s making me so emotional.”
o   “Outstanding!  Wonderful way of educating people.  You captured it!”


Review April 26, 2008  Liz Holland, NBC5 Street Team
http://nbc5streetteam.wordpress.com/2008/04/26/artropolis-2/
    "If you haven’t made it to Artropolis…you have two days left. There is something for everyone with five exhibitions of antique, modern, and contemporary work of over 2,000 artists. The space is massive and almost difficult to take in all at once with the many interesting pieces. I have to admit, there is some great people watching if you can pull you eyes away from the art!
    "Elizabeth McClancy  I loved the antiques and work of emerging/independent artists - most whom were there to share their thoughts and inspirations. Chi Town was in representation with my favorites being Clifton Henri, Gabriel Mejia, and Jeremy Tubbs. Also, check out Fahamu Pecou with his critique of modern hip hop and pop culture through self portraiture and Elizabeth McClancy with The Democratic Principles Project, a series of paintings capturing a vivid likeness of national leaders in social-change debate."


“I have personally met a surprising number of the sitters and she has captured them in a manner that gives them life and interest beyond almost all formal portraits of this generation.”

Ronald Feldman
Personal communication

“Holy mackerel, -- no matter how many times I'd seen the images, no matter how completely I grocked the concept, I was amazingly unprepared for the book.  In one's hands it is such an amazingly imposing, yet inviting, work -- of art and intellect and passion.” 

Killian Jordan
Former Editor, Life Magazine