Headline via Paul McCartney and John Lennon, the flaming statue of Obama on cover of Time magazine by way of the an enthusiastic Chinese sculptor. I’m sure the mullahs in Iran are ordering copies of this satue, and plenty of lighter fluid for their offices:
The Chinese have learned English from his speeches and celebrated the way he rolls up his sleeves . [Only Nixon could to China, only Obama could go to Van Heusen–Ed] Now President Barack Obama is finally coming, and he’s being greeted with “Oba Mao” T-shirts and a statue of him that bursts into flames.
Oba Mao?! I’m sure Obama will pick a few of those for Anita Dunn and Ron Bloom. More from the AP:
Sunday’s arrival of a U.S. president admired for his charisma is already a source of profit and brief fame for some Chinese.
Strangest is the burning Obama, tucked away in a Beijing warehouse. Artist Liu Bolin hopes Obama can take time from his visit to drop by.
“He’s so hot right now, so I wanted to translate that through my work,” said Liu, who was inspired by the idea of the first black U.S. president.
The bronze Obama bust is modeled on Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” cover and is speckled with holes for gas that ignites every couple of minutes.
It’s a positive work, Liu said.
“Yes, setting something on fire can have negative connotations, but this piece represents energy and life that Obama has given to the world,” said the 38-year-old, who made a similar piece for former revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.
“We’re eager to see what he can do for China and U.S. relations.”
(H/T: Moe Lane.)
Related: More from Mo on those Oba-Mao duds.
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