U.S. President Donald Trump is causing a stink in Sooke.
A portrait of the polarizing political figure has become one of the biggest talking points at this year’s Sooke Fine Arts Show – not only because of its subject, but also the unconventional medium used to create it.
Its name, “The Don of Dung,” offers a clue to its ‘secret recipe’.
The paint has been made using a mixture of horse manure and water.
Behind the artwork is Metchosin artist Wendy Chartrand, who says the piece was born out of her frustration with political developments south of the border.
“I was upset about the way things were going and comments about the ‘51st state’, tariffs and even the Gordie Howe Bridge,” she says.
“I think a lot of Canadians are upset about the way Canada’s getting treated, and so it just seemed like an outlet for me to vent – it was just a therapeutic thing to do.”
The controversial portrait has already found an admirer.
The night before the exhibition opened to the public, an anonymous buyer snapped up The Don of Dung for $1,800.
“I was surprised, and I was really happy because I didn’t want it in my house,” said Chartrand with a laugh.
Not every art show visitor has immediately appreciated the portrait.
Chartrand says some have initially reacted with visible disgust at the sight of Trump, before quickly catching on to the artwork’s punchline.
“I’m just really happy that people seem to be enjoying it, and that it is sparking a lot of conversation and laughter,” she said.
The idea for the unconventional paint came to Chartrand while chatting to friends and family.
People have long used natural materials such as berries and leaves to make paint, she reasoned, so why not horse manure?
Finding a supply wasn’t difficult.
Her three horses – Nina, Tallina and Jimi – were more than willing to collaborate and provide the raw materials.
“I picked the manure at random, so I don’t know exactly which one is responsible, so let’s say all of them,” she says.
After sketching the U.S. president in charcoal, Chartrand spent around a month bringing the portrait to life.
Working with ‘fresh’ ‘farm to canvas’ materials, the painting process was a smelly one.
“I had to do it inside for the most part,” says Chartrand. “So I had the air purifier going, and a couple of times I would wear a mask to paint because it smelled really bad.”
Thankfully for gallery visitors, the odour didn’t make it to the finished piece.
Sealed beneath several coats of lacquer, Chartrand says there’s no trace of the painting’s unconventional origins – and that’s no B.S.; it’s horse.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the Sooke Fine Arts Show runs through to Aug. 3 at SEAPARC Recreation Centre.
The live visual arts event includes a gallery of juried artworks from around 280 B.C. coastal islands’ artists, as well as live music, demonstrations, talks, guided tours, and activities for youth and seniors.
“Art has the power to both inspire and challenge, and artists often use their work to explore ideas, ask questions, and spark conversation,” said executive director Jen Hayward. “Every visitor connects with something different – whether it’s sublime landscapes, sculpture, photography, jewelry or thought-provoking social commentary.”
As for what comes next for Chartrand when the show closes, she’s already mulling over a few ideas, including a series of manure paintings featuring “horrible politicians.”
She already has one cheeky concept in mind.
“Putin, but spelt P-O-O-T-I-N,” says Chartrand. “But I have a feeling that one won’t be as popular.”