President Dick
(tag : Journey 2167)
2013
Private Collection
Assemblage (6” x 12” x 2”)
- wood/copper foundry mold
- red light bulb
- cork from a bottle of Mumm champagne
- women’s Western-style cowboy belt buckle remnant
- remnant of pearl charm bracelet with gun
- copper wire
- vintage news clipping noting President Nixon’s resignation
Artist description:
Richard M Nixon, a Republican, was the 37th president of the United States and accomplished many good things for the country and world during his presidency. He enjoyed the pomp, ceremony and power of his office and presented an almost regal persona. Unfortunately, his power went to his head. He kept a White House enemies list and actively sought to undermine the power of his perceived political enemies. Ultimately, he was forced to resign following the Watergate scandal. That scandal involved his abuse of power in trying to unearth ‘dirt’ on his political adversaries, trying to keep the Watergate break-in a secret, and denying that he had anything to do with it.
Richard Nixon’s best friend was a sharp dressing, charming Cuban-American banker named Bebe Rebozo. Rebozo lived alone for much of his life in a well-decorated Key Biscayne home (Nixon eventually moved next door). Rebozo, who once worked as a flight attendant, enjoyed show tunes, and was a frequent guest at the White House and Camp David. They spent much time alone together. Of course, there were rumors that they were more than friends.
Collection of Gino Perez