Artist Illma Gore became instantly famous after painting an image of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The painting depicts Trump naked with what’s called a “micro penis.”
The image went viral on Facebook but was eventually banned. Donald Trump threatened a DMCA takedown and Gore has received extremely violent threats from Trump supporters.
Last week, after returning from her exhibit in London, one Trump fanatic took action and attacked Gore by sucker-punching her in the face. Here is her account and message from Instagram:
Illma Gore on Instagram 7,377 likes
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illmagore Today I was punched in the face by a man who got out of his car and yelled, "Trump 2016!" in Los Angeles, just days after I returned home from London just down the road from my house.
Though I encourage passion, opinion and emotion, especially though art, I think violence is disgusting.
To live in a place where Facebook has given my address to an anonymous third party makes me feel like I am homeless again.
This type of violence makes creatives feel like we live in a world where our individual creative input isn't safe.
I am sad that this is the state of our America right now. I am sad that Trump, and many of his supporters, don't find words enough to express their opinions - they need walls, waterboarding and punches. @realdonaldtrump
Please stop glamorizing and perpetuating violence.
Make America Decent Again! #makeamericadecentagain No, they have not been caught...
In her following message on May 2, 2016, Illma Gore writes:
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illmagore
"Art is the lie that allows us to see the truth." Pablo Picasso.
I am not deterred by this.
Thanks for everyone's support. If anyone saw anything on La Cienega on Friday, please let the local authorities know. Black Honda Civic with a group of people in the car.
Fusion interviewed the artist in the video below. Illma Gore describes more about her experience. At one point Gore mentions that among her death threats, some said they would drag her out into the street and stone her to death.
No words, really. This is truly disgusting on so many levels. Looking forward to hearing of the attacker’s arrest and will update when news arrives. Cheers to Illma Gore for using her voice, talent and humor to expose one of the greatest deviants and embarrassments American politics has ever witnessed.