Artwork can evoke various reactions. In general, artwork is created to inspire. Take a look at the photo posted. What do you think?
Recently, artist Ron DiCianni and Tapestry Productions became aware of a decision made by Mountain Home Air Force Base, in consultation with the Pentagon to remove a print of Ron DiCianni’s Blessed Are the Peacemakers in response to an “anonymous email.” Tapestry Productions is the publisher of this painting and the agent of record for Artist Ron DiCianni.
Tapestry Productions President, Grant DiCianni, responded by saying:
“First, we are deeply saddened as we receive more information about this incident, to see the apparent hostility of Pentagon leadership to a message, that is clearly in keeping with the foundation of this country & the Air Force and whose communication is clearly protected by the First Amendment. The painting that was removed based on this anonymous complaint is entitled Blessed are the Peacemakers. It features a modern day policeman standing in front of a medieval knight. The flag held in the hand of the knight morphs from a medieval coat of arms into the flag of the United States of America. In this edition of the painting, the word ‘Integrity’ is stenciled over the image and the verse referenced is ‘Blessed are the Peacemakers for they will be named sons of God’ Matt 5:9.”
“It is our belief” DiCianni continued “that this message is one that the modern day military should be proud to embody — the idea of integrity in the service of peace. Having known many military service members over the years, I have never encountered one that enjoyed the idea of war. Every war fought has been to pave the path back to peace. Hence, the military is an embodiment of the ultimate peacemaker, a pursuit blessed in Scripture. It would seem this is a message that the Air Force should be willing to foster, not censor.”
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