Abraham Lincoln’s presence in pop culture has continued to thrive, even 159 years after his time. Recently, an eye-catching painting of Lincoln titled “Forever Friday” caught the attention of many at the Hamptons Art Fair. This portrait, created by Dallas-based artist Lindsay Ekstrom, depicted the Great Emancipator in a whole new light. Dressed in a floral tuxedo jacket, sporting a baller Rolex, a diamond ring, and personalized cufflinks, Lincoln’s portrayal in this painting was far from traditional. Ekstrom, known for her dandified and hipsterized portraits of cultural icons, had taken Lincoln’s image and given it a modern twist, making him stand out in the art world.
However, the painting that graced the walls of the Hamptons Art Fair had a turbulent past of its own. It had been involved in what seemed like an art heist gone wrong. According to Ekstrom’s Instagram post, the painting was originally meant to be a part of a pair featuring George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in a boardroom. However, during transit, the painting of Abe went missing. Weeks of investigation later, the truth came to light, and the stolen painting was recovered. Ekstrom, who had already repainted the piece for the collectors, saw the damaged painting reunited with its pair. This incident taught valuable lessons to the artist, including the importance of not advertising the contents of a crate and the necessity for caution when handling original artwork.
Ekstrom’s husband, also the business director of their gallery LX Artworks, shed light on the artist’s deep connection with the subject of Lincoln. He revealed that Lincoln was the very first portrait Ekstrom had ever painted, highlighting her special affinity for the historical figure. The reimagined Lincoln piece, which Ekstrom had originally intended not to sell but to keep for herself, made its debut at the Hamptons Art Fair. The damaged canvas was carefully restored, showcasing the artist’s dedication to her work and her admiration for Lincoln as a subject.
Overall, Lindsay Ekstrom’s artistic journey with the painting “Forever Friday” not only illustrates her unique approach to portraying historical figures but also showcases her resilience in the face of adversity. Through her modern and unconventional portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, Ekstrom has managed to capture the essence of the iconic figure in a way that resonates with contemporary audiences. The twists and turns in the story of the painting’s history only add to the intrigue surrounding Ekstrom’s work, making her a standout artist in today’s art world.