Angelina Jolie in a New Light

Many people give celebrities a higher than thou status and that is exactly what I see when I see this painting, titled “Blessed Art Thou”. The painting of Angelina Jolie portrayed as the Virgin Mary over a Walmart checkout, shows exactly how she is portrayed in the media and perceived by many fans.

I think the painting was beautifully created and is honest in society’s depiction (at least part of society) of the actress…but what happens when we put people on these types of pedestals? I think that’s the question the artist wants us to ponder.

Speaking of the artist, I don’t think Kate Kretz realized exactly what was in store for her after releasing this painting. Reportedly the painting has taken her blog from 30 visitors to over 15,000 a day and the painting is up for sale for $50,000.

What I find interesting, and not so much about the painting but of Angelina herself is that she is such a do-gooder with a rather naughty-girl past. It’s nice what she’s doing for people in Africa (actually it’s pretty amazing and bless her for doing it), but if I were to paint an idealistic portrait of Ms. Jolie, it wouldn’t look like this. Actually, it would like a stick person since I’m not an artist, but whatever. The point is, I had no idea that despite of Angelina’s good deeds that she was able to shed the home-wrecker image she carved out for herself. And please, don’t get me wrong, Mr. Pitt had the biggest role in that of all…but again, that’s besides the point.

What do you think? Is the painting true to what the media makes Angelina out to be or what the peons like you and I think of her? When you first see it, what is your initial reaction?