SPOTTED: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. getting a pop art makeover, as artist Charles Fazzino unveiled his latest work that will be showcased at a state-of-the-art facility from the White House Historical Association.
“The White House is really the center of the world,” Fazzino told ITK before dramatically revealing his artwork on Wednesday before a crowd of D.C. movers and shakers at Cafe Milano in Washington.
Fazzino’s 3D art will be on display at The People’s House: A White House Experience, a 33,000-square-foot site located across the street from the White House.
The White House Historical Association has said the new space, which opens to the public on Monday, will “tell the story of the executive mansion, its inhabitants, and the people who have dedicated their careers to its function.”
“When I first decided to do this, my work is all about detail. Originally I was going to do a flag, and then everybody looks at the flag today as being too political,” Fazzino said.
The New York-based artist said he instead was inspired by a trip with his wife to Pennsylvania Dutch country: “I was walking by some of the Amish stores, and they had quilts up. And I said, ‘Wow, I’m going to do an American quilt with each one of the quilt pieces telling a story.”
The design featuring stylized, multi-dimensional versions of iconic images from the White House — from John Kennedy, Jr. playing under the Resolute Desk, to more recent times such as former President Trump taking the oath of office and President Biden sitting in the Oval Office with his dog, Commander, resting nearby.
“Telling a story, a little bit from each decade,” Fazzino, 68, said.
Prints of the piece are poised to be sold by the White House Historical Association and will benefit the non-profit organization.
