Obama Leads in Glass President Poll; Andrew Jackson Second

PITTSBURGH, Sept. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cast your vote at Pittsburgh Glass Center (PGC) for your favorite American idol. For the 2012 election season, John Moran introduces "American Idols," a new installation of life-size busts of all 43 U.S. presidents. The exhibition is on display at Pittsburgh Glass Center, a nonprofit, public access glass school, gallery and studio, from Aug. 3 to Nov. 10, 2012. This is the first time that all presidents appear together in one location.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120906/NE68630 )

Early reports from the ballot box at PGC show that President Obama is the favorite glass president followed closely by Andrew Jackson . Patrons say they like Jackson's sequined jacket. There is a tie for third between Bill Clinton , Theodore Roosevelt and George Washington .

Moran constructs his strange busts and their quirky, somewhat childlike, and absurd appearances by meshing sculpted glass heads with an array of other materials. Their clothing is laden with images and words strewn together in a seemingly haphazard manner, which begins to create an obscure narrative of their lives. Moran creates an arena that removes these people from the mythic stature of the American President and into a tangible existence.

For example, Moran refers to President Obama as the hip hop president. He's dressed in a hoodie and Public Enemy t-shirt. Moran says this image came about during his election when Obama was constantly the Republicans' target.

"Within my work, there is an element of humor, a twist on a situation that requires a bit of forehand knowledge to fully appreciate the humor. I try to create a constant play between humor and seriousness," said Moran.

Moran's work reflects his interests in politics, philosophy, religion, and human social behavior fused with his unique sense of humor, elements of popular culture and a touch of altruism. He received his bachelor of fine arts degree from Tyler School of Art and is currently completing his master's degree at Illinois State University.

"American Idols" is sponsored by the Puffin Foundation and the Friends of the Arts.

About Pittsburgh Glass Center

Pittsburgh Glass Center is a nonprofit, public access glass school, gallery and state-of-the-art studio. Glass Art: We teach it. We create it. We promote it. We support those who make it. www.pittsburghglasscenter.org.

SOURCE Pittsburgh Glass Center

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