Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 11
George W. Bush Paints 25-Year-Old 9/11 Reaction Image
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 11

George W. Bush Paints 25-Year-Old 9/11 Reaction Image

3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Sep 11

Summary

  • George W. Bush has painted the moment he learned on Sept. 11 that the United States was under attack, revisiting one of the most replayed images of his presidency.
  • The image has endured for 25 years and was long mocked by comedians, used by political opponents and repeatedly featured in documentaries and retrospectives.
  • Bush turned to painting after leaving the White House in 2009, making art a prominent part of his post-presidency.

Insights

Beyond the canvas, how does painting the darkest day of his presidency help a former leader process historical trauma?
What hidden emotional truths do these new artworks reveal about the man who led the nation during its greatest tragedy?