Obama Joker artist unmasked: A fellow Chicagoan
When cryptic posters portraying President Obama as the Joker from "Batman" began popping up around Los Angeles and other cities, the question many asked was, Who is behind the image?
Was it an ultra-conservative grassroots group or a disgruntled street artist going against the grain?
Nope, it turns out, just a 20-year-old college student from Chicago.
Bored during his winter school break, Firas Alkhateeb, a senior history major at the University of Illinois, crafted the picture of Obama with the recognizable clown makeup using Adobe's Photoshop software.
Alkhateeb had been tinkering with the program to improve the looks of photos he had taken on his clunky Kodak camera. The Joker project was his grandest undertaking yet. Using a tutorial he'd found online about how to "Jokerize" portraits, he downloaded the October 23 Time Magazine cover of Obama and began digitally painting over it.
Four or five hours later, he happily had his product.
On Jan. 18, Alkhateeb uploaded the image to photo-sharing site Flickr (shown at right). Over the next two months, he amassed just a couple thousand hits, he said.
Then the counter exploded after a still-anonymous rogue famously found his image, digitally removed the references to Time Magazine, captioned the picture with the word "socialism" and hung printed copies around L.A., making headlines.
Alkhateeb's original Flickr page surpassed 20,000 views. The Times found his Flickr site last week thanks to a tip left by a loyal reader of The Ticket. By Friday, the page had been taken down.
On Alkhateeb's page, a manipulated image condemning fellow Chicagoan and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel (captioned "epic fail") was mixed in with parodies of the "Guitar Hero" game franchises -- dubbed Quran Hero -- and of Napoleon riding a motorcycle (pictured after the jump).
Flickr had removed the Joker image due to copyright-infringement concerns, Alkhateeb says the company told him in an e-mail. A Flickr spokeswoman declined to comment due to a company policy that bars discussing inquiries about individual users.
Alkhateeb says he wasn't actively trying to cover his tracks, but he did want to lay low. He initially had concerns about ...
... connecting his name with anything critical of the president -- especially living in Chicago, where people are "very, very liberal," he said.
"After Obama was elected, you had all of these people who basically saw him as the second coming of Christ," Alkhateeb said. "From my perspective, there wasn't much substance to him."
"I abstained from voting in November," he wrote in an e-mail. "Living in Illinois, my vote means close to nothing as there was no chance Obama would not win the state." If he had to choose a politician to support, Alkhateeb said, it would be Ohio Democratic Rep. Dennis Kucinich.
Possibly becoming a villain in his home city wasn't his only worry. Time's cover and the Joker obviously aren't Alkhateeb's copyrights to fool around with.
Concerned about a lawsuit, Alkhateeb, an unnamed superstar whose nationally recognized artwork had stunned friends and family, was relieved that the situation had floated for months without any major news organizations discovering that he was the man behind the paint.
After we contacted him, he hesitantly agreed to an interview.
If it's any consolation, the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit organization that defends digital rights, says Alkhateeb has a strong fair-use defense if Time or DC Comics decides to take him to court -- that is if one even does file a lawsuit.
"You really want to think twice about going after a political commenter," said Corynne McSherry, a senior staff attorney at the EFF. In Time's case, "a news organization probably doesn't want to be in the situation of pursuing political criticism."
Perhaps the strongest case for anyone, McSherry said, is for Alkhateeb to claim money derived from people selling T-shirts with his picture. Is it worth pursuing? "It would be nice, but it's not that big of a deal," Alkhateeb said.
Although Alkhateeb claims he was making no political statement with the artwork, he's plugged into the Washington debate. Though born in the United States, his Palestinian family closely follows Middle Eastern politics.
"I think he's definitely doing better than Bush was," Alkhateeb said of Obama. Alkhateeb's views on foreign relations align with the Democrats, he said, while he prefers Republican ideals on domestic issues.
Alkhateeb's assessment of Obama: "In terms of domestic policy, I don't think he's really doing much good for the country right now," he said. "We don't have to 'hero worship' the guy."
Someday, Alkhateeb hopes to be a history teacher and high school football coach. He won't be pursuing a full-time career in art, but he'll continue playing with Photoshop on the side. He's honored by Shepard Fairey's assessment of his Joker picture, but disagrees with some of Fairey's comments criticizing the message of the Socialism poster.
"He made a picture of Bush as a vampire," Alkhateeb said about Fairey. "That's kind of speaking with two faces."
Regardless, Alkhateeb does agree with the Obama "Hope" artist about "socialism" being the wrong caption for the Joker image. "It really doesn't make any sense to me at all," he said. "To accuse him of being a socialist is really ... immature. First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
-- Mark Milian
No joke, click here for Twitter alerts on each new Ticket item. Or follow us @latimestot or @mmilian
Photo credits: Firas Alkhateeb
All criticism of Obamahdenijad is racist.
Posted by: Windfall | August 17, 2009 at 08:13 PM
Shepard Fairey says "socialism" is grammatically incorrect, he says it should be "socialist" If that's true, shouldn't his "HOPE" be changed to "HOPER?"
Posted by: Scott | August 17, 2009 at 08:15 PM
chotii:
What is racist about this?
On another note, Alkhateeb is being a bit naive (maybe intentionally) with his remark "First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?". Socialism is not evil, it is a political ideology... just one that happens to favor promoting the lowest common denominator and doing so by brute force. It is a one-sided view point that labels critics instant traitors... i.e. "if you don't think medical care is a right then you must be a horrible callous person."
No one ideology in its pure form is the answer. However, history is usually a pretty good litmus test to bear out the pros and cons... socialism has never succeeded (in a concrete or compassionate way) whereas democracy and capitalism have fared much better.
Posted by: TheGreatZamboni | August 17, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Quote:
"It really doesn't make any sense to me at all," he said. "To accuse him of being a socialist is really ... immature. First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
Yes, socialism is evil. If you need a refresher in history, I suggest going on a search engine and looking up either "National Socialist Workers Party" or the "Union of Soviet Socialist Republics". Those are two systems that were very evil, and had a eugenics and genocidal agenda.
Posted by: Randall | August 17, 2009 at 08:16 PM
"First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?" That quote should have been the sub-title of this article... classic.
Posted by: Mark | August 17, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Let me see if I have this right. Calling him a socialist is immature, but doodling in Photoshop isn't? Okie, dokie Alkhateeb.
Posted by: Roger | August 17, 2009 at 08:16 PM
He is right his vote did not count, he didn't vote. What a coward, he puts this out there but he does not have the personal responsibility to go out and vote. Even if your guy does not win at least your part of the process.
Posted by: John | August 17, 2009 at 08:16 PM
Who said socialism is evil? I do. And the bodies of 100 million people murdered in its name during the 20th Century are the proof of that.
Socialism is inherently evil. Always has been. Always will be.
Posted by: Bruce | August 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM
That's pretty funny that basically a Democrat made that picture in the first place! (Let the Democrats trya nd go after him now, LOL.) But at the end of the article when that guy said "who said being a Socialist is evil"... The only thing worse really is a Communist. Karl Marx himself said that Socialism is just a imperfect form of Communism.
Posted by: Tommy from Chicago | August 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM
LOL!!! He say Obama is better than Bush, that's comparing good cyanide and bad cyanide...In any case it was a great run, this picture was funnier than the one they did on Bush; and that was funny.
There are some dumb@sses who really know how to dish it out, but they just don't know how to take it.
Posted by: IraqWarVet | August 17, 2009 at 08:18 PM
I don't get what is the big deal about the poster???? Ever see other politicians on posters of this sort? YES.
Way to go to the college student. He is a joker.
Posted by: mjo | August 17, 2009 at 08:20 PM
If socialism is not a 'bad thing,' then why would it be immature to write it on the President? This is what i don't understand from the left-wing...if socialism is good, then why condemn people who accurately point our your socialist views? Why would it be immature to call someone a socialist who wants to socialize medicine/banks/insurers/energy companies/etc.
In essence, just like a liberal, they want it both ways.
They want to criticize, but not be criticized.
They want to scream fear tactics, but they use the same fear to get their bills passed.
Look, if you are a socialist, fine. Just admit it. At least Bernie Sanders has the decency to admit he is a socialist. If you are not a socialist, then explain what you think your political moniker is for the views that you hold dear. I consider myself a conservative. I am not a Republican because the Republican party has left its calling and they are just as big government as the Democrats are. But just admit what your political moniker is and quit whining about people being 'immature' when they ACCURATELY point out your political philosophy...
Posted by: Dustin | August 17, 2009 at 08:21 PM
This guy is not the original artist. I know the artist personally-and she is very anti-Socialist.
It's obvious this article was "created" to minimize the impact that the original message sends; that Obama=Socialism, and socialism is only going to tear down the foundation of capitalism, private property, and democracy through a government instituted as a Republic.
Posted by: Rachel | August 17, 2009 at 08:21 PM
He is a tool, but the poster still rocks and they are correct socialisim was the wrong word. FACIST would have been more appropriate. As for the 20 year old and his politiks "First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
I SAY IT IS EVIL STUPID. MILLIONS OF AMERICANS DIED FIGHTING AGAINST THOSE EVILS, IDIOT.
The only way socialist countrys are ultimately held together is by the governments military force and oppression, IDIOT. That does not even work in the end and then they collapse.
Posted by: Robert | August 17, 2009 at 08:22 PM
Where to begin... So if I created an image of B Clinton dressed in drag, with the caption "transvestite".. I could explain it all away with "who said being a transvestite is bad." Or Hillary as a whore, or GW Bush as Hitler, oh I'm sorry, that's already been OK'd. So as far as the caption "Socialism" being the wrong, why do all the socialist I know love the guy? Maybe they just don't know him that well? Or better yet, name one program he's introduced that hasn't been socialist or quasi-socialist?
Posted by: lars | August 17, 2009 at 08:23 PM
Obama isn't a socialist, he's a fascist.
Posted by: joe m | August 17, 2009 at 08:24 PM
Please read Rose Martin's 1966 book, "Fabian Freeway".
Posted by: Richard Hild | August 17, 2009 at 08:25 PM
The boy is concerned about becoming a political villain?
Is that the language the left uses to describe political dissidents now?
My how frightening reality has become. Liberals make the jagged facial scars and warpaint look tame by comparison.
Posted by: justin | August 17, 2009 at 08:26 PM
Only in America can a guy get famous by jerking around in Photoshop (a powerful tool he obviously isn't that good at) and childishly mixing a vicious image of a psycho killer ('cause that's what he is in the current Batman) with the president of the U.S. Ridiculous.
Posted by: Steven | August 17, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Just don't make a "BANKER" poster of me!
Posted by: CHRI$ DODD | August 17, 2009 at 08:27 PM
Socialism is evil! First, it fails to account for the psychology of human kind and it enslaves man in its illusion of security. The cost is a loss of freedoms, enslavement to a socio-economic system that breeds mediocrity for all except the ruling elite. The President is currently using class warfare to promote his socialist agenda and all we end up with when we are done is a class or workers and then the elites. It is REGRESSIVE! Look at some of the worst and most represive governments in history with horrible human rights records and you will find Socialism to include the National Socialist of Germany a.k.a Nazis. I will not go so far as to call President Obama a Nazi but he is a socialist by even a loose definition of the word. So...Yes...the poster is appropriately labeled. Don't get me wrong. There is a time, a place, and a definite need for a social safety net. There is a need for healthcare reform. There is a need for companys, share holders, workers, and the public to hold executives responsible (the unions sure aren't, they have failed the workers they are supposed to be caretakers of). But a huge government bureaucracy running a health care system that according to the President will provide all people, better health care, at less price is an out right lie. I can't happen, it wont happen and when it does happen people will be enslaved to a health care system that will have to collapse completely before it is ever replaced. And at what cost...Trillions of dollars in debt, hundreds of thousands of deaths, and a trail of broken Obama promises.
Posted by: Tom | August 17, 2009 at 08:27 PM
It makes sense. Only a true resident from Chicago would know just how bad Obama is. Fact is, the rest of us are finding out really quick too. This kid is lucky he hasn't had an unfortunate accident, thus causing his disappearance.
Posted by: Rip | August 17, 2009 at 08:27 PM
This child is rather ignorant if he doesn't believe "Socialism" is the right caption for Obama. I would recommend some world travel for the lad to catch up...
Posted by: Bobby Iwabucci | August 17, 2009 at 08:28 PM
Not knowing why being a socialist is evil is what is immature.
Posted by: Kile Anderson | August 17, 2009 at 08:29 PM
He's depicting the Messiah; of course there's going to be backlash
Posted by: Gabriel | August 17, 2009 at 08:29 PM
"He made a picture of Bush as a vampire," Alkhateeb said about Fairey. "That's kind of speaking with two faces."
That's kinda the Liberal way.
Posted by: jokes-on-them | August 17, 2009 at 08:29 PM
Huh? Socialism is not evil? Wrong. Socialism is evil. Socialism destroys the will of man to be free and achieve. Of course, if you are a liberal, you wouldn't understand what that means.
Posted by: Sigmonde | August 17, 2009 at 08:29 PM
The image is stupid, doesnt make sense, and nobody has seen this in L.A. Why it gets so much media attention is more interesting than the poster and douche bag who made it.
Posted by: Ali Rza | August 17, 2009 at 08:30 PM
Who says socialism is evil...oh, I don't know, about 30 million dead under Stalin, 50 million dead under Mao Tse Tung, 20 million dead under Hitler....
Posted by: Dantes | August 17, 2009 at 08:32 PM
"Who said socialism is evil?"
This is a college student?
Does he not know that the NAZI party was a socilist party, (NAZI means National Socialist German Workers party), that killed millions, and used similar medical plans to what THE ONE wants to institute here?
Socialism IS evil, and so is THE ONE and his chicago cronies.
Ron Reale
realetybytes@yahoo.com
realetybytes.townhall.com
Posted by: Ron Reale | August 17, 2009 at 08:32 PM
"To accuse him of being a socialist is really ... immature. First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
Just all the people who died due to collectivist philosophy in the 20th century.
Seems like this guy harbors some degree of libertarian sympathies though.
Posted by: Jack | August 17, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Well, actually the "artist" responsible for the poster is the one who took out the Time references and put in the word "socialist", then pasted them up. Come on, LA Times! More detective work please!
Posted by: BJ | August 17, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Hehe good one, Who said socialism is evil? Perhaps the greatest mass murders of all time? 1. Mao, 2.Stalin, 3.Hitler(national socialism,remember?) and an honorable mention has to go to Pol Pot for his per capita accomplishments. 110 to 170 million,but, who's counting? It's Boosh who's evil, voting in Iraq? Now thats evil.
Posted by: ck | August 17, 2009 at 08:33 PM
No!
The whole premise of the article is wrong. This is just some guy who made his art and posted it on Flickr, just like the photographer for Time made his art and posted it on the cover of the magazine. The tsunami here is the person who added the "socialism" and wheat pasted it in the physical public space, that is the art of which we know this all to be about. Lump this guy in with the photographer the person who made the icon is still at large... may they remain.
Posted by: Your Portland Financial Advisor | August 17, 2009 at 08:33 PM
......and how many news outlets without integrity called this racism?
They all acted stupidly. Sound familiar?
What is it now, art?
We won't see a thing about it from now on in the MSM. crickets.. I tell you.
Posted by: VancouverAndy | August 17, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Well, Firas, I'll say it. Scialism IS evil. It is unspeakably so. The three greatest mass murderers in history were all socialists. (Hitler, Stalin and Mao in ascending order of the magnitude of their killing, if you care.) If the needs of the collective outweigh those of the individual, then any evil perpetrated on someone is permissible if some politician or bureaucrat decides that that is necessary. For the common good, y'see. I would strongly recommend a thorough study of Nazi Germany and how a civilized society can go so down the tubes. And yes, the Nazi's were socialists. (Nazi: (Ger.) National Socialist)
Posted by: DocinPA | August 17, 2009 at 08:34 PM
Maybe Mr. O should invite him over for a beer too?!
Posted by: Tahoenative | August 17, 2009 at 08:35 PM
"...First of all, who said being a socialist is evil?"
A socialist in America, I call that evil. Read the Contitution and the letters of the framers, they will tell you the same.
Posted by: Sheltiman | August 17, 2009 at 08:36 PM
Someone did the same thing to GW Bush. What is the big deal? A real journalist would have listed the artist who did the same picture with Bush. Seems like the press only outs or tries to crucify anyone who says anything about Obama.
Posted by: Love Letter | August 17, 2009 at 08:36 PM
The liberals in the US will now do to him what they did to Joe the Plumber. They spent countless dollars and hours to find him, hoping it was a prime conservative person or organization. While likely disappointed with the true creator being a reasonable young man, they will still attempt to damage him in every way possible.
Posted by: Darrel | August 17, 2009 at 08:38 PM
The guy is wrong. Socialism *IS* evil.
Posted by: MarkJ | August 17, 2009 at 08:38 PM
Wow! Impressive investigative journalism!! I wasn't even looking and found his name and blog a week ago!
Posted by: Kirk | August 17, 2009 at 08:39 PM
The picture is sweet, but I think the kid is in over his head. Hope there is no backlash...
Posted by: vinnie | August 17, 2009 at 08:39 PM
"Terrorist."
Posted by: bob
bob did you forget to post the sarc/by your post? Funny how it works with libs. The same guy with a Bush photoshop would be called a patriot...but now with the Obama poster he is a terrorist.
Posted by: zanne | August 17, 2009 at 08:41 PM
Amazing how a history student doesn't know why socialism is wrong. What do you think NAZI stands for homey?
Other than an inadequate socialist Illinois eduction, I have to say the picture is well done. Nice job.
Posted by: Jack Foobar | August 17, 2009 at 08:41 PM
"Flickr had removed the Joker image due to copyright-infringement concerns"
"Time's cover and the Joker obviously aren't Alkhateeb's copyrights to fool around with."
It looks like obvious fair use to me. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fair_use
Please forgive me for quoting at length.
Posted by: Chatter | August 17, 2009 at 08:43 PM
@Kirk: So did I. But did you talk him?
Posted by: Mark Milian | August 17, 2009 at 08:45 PM
AWESOME DUDE! Love your stuff! Thanks for standing up to our thug of a prez!
Posted by: HansJurgen | August 17, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Give the man a MEDAL!!! Nailed the narcissistic sociopathic type precisely!!
Posted by: ralphy | August 17, 2009 at 08:45 PM
Let's just call this story: "The Accidental Patriot" If his poster had anything to do with awakening the American people to the threat this administration poses to the American economy, and to the future security of the nation, then he's a hero, whether he knew what he was doing or not.
Posted by: Eric Robinson | August 17, 2009 at 08:46 PM