Completion Date: 20 January 2021
Medium: Paint & ink on acid-free mount-board
Dimensions: 30 x 40 inches
The inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States took place on January 20, 2021, before noon (EST), marking the commencement of the four-year term of Joe Biden as president and Kamala Harris as vice president.
The inauguration took place amidst extraordinary political, public health, economic, and national security crises, including outgoing President Donald Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election, which incited a storming of the Capitol; Trump’s unprecedented second impeachment; and a threat of widespread civil unrest, which stimulated a nationwide law enforcement response. Festivities were sharply curtailed by efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and mitigate the potential for violence near the Capitol.
The live audience was limited to members of the 117th United States Congress and, for each, one guest of their choosing, resembling a State of the Union address. Public health measures such as mandatory face coverings, testing, temperature checks, and social distancing were used to protect participants in the ceremony.
All components are painted on acid-free mount-board, and then glued onto acid-free mount-board. Two coats of matte acrylic varnish are then applied.
