Acclaimed Manchester artist Michael Browne is turning heads with his latest work, America First – Trump, Putin, China, now on display in a shop outlet window on Deansgate, the Great Northern Warehouse.
Known for blending Renaissance-inspired techniques with modern social and political themes, Michael’s new large-scale oil painting dives into the dynamics of power and ego, up against sacrifice.
The piece features a muscular green Donald Trump affront a crucifix, concealing a sacrificial Jesus. Framed by an American flag, and a flock of sheep in the background. To the right, Vladimir Putin appears as a modern John the Baptist, quoting “I must decrease, so he can increase”.
While a modern Chinese couple in traditional Han clothing represents an element of China’s old tradition, with a quote reserved for its royal dynasties ‘Mandate of Heaven’. The barren, scorched landscape surrounding them shows nature’s environmental devastation.
Michael started the painting in March 2024, over a six week period. The work was inspired by his previous work ~ a painting based on the Black Panthers movement ~ which focused on political power over citizens and the environment they depend on, titled For 30 pieces of silver.
Michael explains. “It’s superimposed power, aggressiveness. Removing God’s Grace!”
Also drawing inspiration from the Isenheim Altarpiece—a German Renaissance masterpiece depicting suffering and redemption—Michael weaves biblical allegory with contemporary global issues.
The crucified Jesus in the original painting, was shown suffering from ergotism, also known as Saint Anthony’s Fire. A disease common to the population. It was caught from Rye crops. What was depicted as the skin feeling like it was on fire, is now instead depicted as the lands being on fire! Scorched earth! “The pursuit of power is leaving destruction in its wake—socially, politically, and environmentally.”
Coincidentally, Michael painted bullets and spent bullet shells around Trump’s feet months before the former president narrowly survived an assassination attempt.
America First – Trump, Putin, China is now displayed in full public view on Deansgate, the Great Northern Warehouse.
