A recent incident at the Scope Art Show in Miami Beach has sparked controversy after a gallery was asked to remove a portrait of President Donald Trump from their booth. The portrait, titled “HUGE” by artist Shyglo, features the president mid-speech with the word “huge” in neon letters overlaid on top.
L Kotler Fine Art, the Miami-based gallery showcasing the piece, was reportedly “forced” to remove it by fair organizers. However, the gallery has decided to auction the artwork online instead, with an estimated value of $15,000 to $30,000. In an Instagram post, the gallery expressed their hope that the conversation around the artwork would continue.
Despite claims of censorship, a representative for Scope Art Show denied that the removal was politically motivated. According to the spokesperson, the gallery was one of several exhibitors asked to rehang or remove artworks that did not align with their original proposal submitted months in advance.
Scope Art Show emphasized their commitment to freedom of expression, stating that they have never asked a gallery to remove a work based on political or personal views in their 23-year history. The spokesperson clarified that L. Kotler Fine Art was asked to remove multiple works, not just the controversial Trump portrait.
Lindsay Kotler, the gallery owner, expressed surprise at the request to remove the artwork, especially since Shyglo’s works had been featured in previous editions of the fair. Kotler explained that the decision to switch out the piece was made to ensure that all displayed artworks were available for purchase.
Shyglo is known for their photorealistic paintings depicting political leaders and cultural icons, often accompanied by neon cursive lettering. The artist’s intention with “HUGE” was to spark conversation rather than conflict, as they explained to Hyperallergic.
Shyglo expressed disappointment at the removal of their artwork, stating that it was intended to inspire thought, dialogue, and emotion. The artist believes that silencing the piece goes against the very purpose of art.
