U.S.

Exhibit to Showcase New Works by Acclaimed Young Portraitist George W. Bush

Art enthusiasts! Get thee to the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas this spring if you'd like to view more art by a former president who may have been divisive as a leader, but is universally beloved as a kooky self/pet portraitist.

By Danielle Wiener-Bronner
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Art enthusiasts! Get thee to the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas this spring if you'd like to view more art by a former president who may have been divisive as a leader, but is universally beloved as a kooky self/pet portraitist.

An exhibit generously titled "The Art of Leadership: A President's Personal Diplomacy," featuring some of Bush's never-before-seen paintings will open in early April. According to the Associated Press, the "exhibit exploring relationships Bush formed with other world leaders will feature more than two dozen portraits by Bush."

Bush discussed his inspiration with the Dallas Morning News, saying that he uses painting to express his innermost feelings "in a way that's unique." He adds that he hopes his work helps people see a different side of him, and that he "takes great delight in busting stereotypes." The stereotype-busting former president signs his work "43" and cites the essay "Painting as a Pastime" by Winston Churchill as his muse.

So far, we've only seen a few select (and stolen) bits of Bush's self-portraiture, like the demure but seductive "my legs in a tub*"...

... and the more overtly sexual "check out my back and little shower mirror*"

In his tamer dog and cat series, we're especially fond of the floating dog-head style:

He's painted over 50 dogs, and many of them are artistic representations of his deep-seated insecurity and years of internal turmoil, according to some "critics."

Based on these, we have a feeling paintings exploring his relationship with other world leaders are going to get a little freaky.

*Title ours. 

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.