George W. Bush held an exhibition titled 'Remembering 9/11,' which is being displayed at his presidential museum. The show begins with a depiction of New York after the collapse of the Twin Towers, structures hit by aircraft hijacked by jihadists.
According to the exhibition's informational material, twenty-five years after the events, George W. Bush revisits this crucial point in American history, using painting to record the symbols, people, and gestures of affection that emerged from that moment.
Sixteen works are presented that illustrate the events and images captured in the moments, hours, and days following the fatal attacks. In half of these paintings, George W. Bush portrays himself in specific moments: either from behind, being informed by his chief of staff about the impact of a second plane on the World Trade Center while comforting a family, or leaning next to a grieving mother.
He also appears depicted among New York firefighters, delivering a speech at Washington Cathedral, and later, holding the hand of his father, former President George Bush. Another recurring element in these colorful works is the American flag, which appears subtly in the first canvas referencing the attack in Manhattan, and prominently over the Pentagon, struck by a third plane, or being waved by rescuers in a third canvas.
The exhibition explanation points out that Bush chose to paint these moments because they are the ones he remembers most clearly, emphasizing not fear or despair, but rather the determination and instinct for unity and mutual aid of ordinary Americans.
Two canvases focused on firefighters deserve special mention; one is presented in shades of golden bronze and the other in ochre and yellow. It is mentioned that George W. Bush, who turned 80 in July, was in office as President of the United States for less than eight months when the September 11th attacks occurred.
The painting process began in 2012, three years after leaving the White House, inspired by Winston Churchill's essay entitled 'Painting as a Hobby.' The former president, residing in Dallas, had previously dedicated exhibitions to veterans of the US army and individuals of immigrant origin.
The September 11, 2001 attacks resulted in the deaths of 2,977 people, caused by the jihadist organization Al-Qaeda. A fourth plane, which appeared to be headed for the Capitol or the White House, crashed in Pennsylvania (east) after a reaction from the passengers themselves.