Christian artist Sam Ryan’s portrait of the late Charlie Kirk has quickly gained attention, becoming an emotional tribute to the Turning Point USA founder who was tragically assassinated. Crafted from a prayerful photograph, Ryan completed the work in a single night. The starkness of the moment reflects not only the loss of a public figure but also taps into deeper themes of persecution and truth-telling in today’s climate.
Before this tribute, Ryan faced significant backlash—he lost around 100,000 followers due to a controversial portrait of Donald Trump. This experience of rejection underscores the current climate where artists often find themselves at odds with their audiences simply for their content. Yet, Ryan approaches Kirk’s death from a different angle, hoping to transform this pain into something meaningful. He explained, “He was a human being who spoke no hate,” shedding light on the humanity of those often lost in political narratives.
His emotional connection to Kirk shines through. Attending Kirk’s memorial, Ryan described it as a profound experience. When recalling their interaction, he shared, “His DM said, ‘I love it, man. I need to get this for the studio. When are you doing a print of it?’” The significance of these words resonates deeply; they personify Ryan’s intent to honor Kirk’s legacy. He stated, “That was the best way I could [memorialize him] for everybody to see,” indicating that this was more than an art piece; it was a testament to Kirk’s life and message.
The portrait is rooted not in politics for Ryan, despite his own conservative views. Instead, it serves as a personal sentiment directed at Kirk’s family. The reference photo used—selected for its powerful portrayal of Kirk in prayer—adds weight to the tribute. It conveys respect and reverence, an expression of who Kirk was beyond his public persona.
Ryan also reflected on the tumultuous world of social media and cancel culture. He indicated that gaining followers often comes with a high cost: “A lot of the time, people don’t want to hear the truth—they want to be comforted.” His commentary implies a larger struggle many face when expressing unpopular truths. In this light, Kirk’s message is framed as one that confronted the hidden fears and demons of society, ultimately leading to his demise. “Jesus, it only took 12 [disciples] for Him to spread the message,” Ryan mused, likening Kirk’s impact to this historical narrative. The comparison is striking and emphasizes the idea that significant change can stem from individuals brave enough to challenge the status quo.
Describing the backlash he received, Ryan pointed out the danger of being in the public eye: “There are a lot of crazy people in the audience that just hate you for spreading the message of the gospels.” His experience serves as a cautionary tale for anyone who dares to speak out, highlighting the often-hostile environment artists navigate. He remains focused on the purpose of his work: “Anything that makes people feel something is what inspires me.” This mission—to spread good and block out negativity—drives him forward, even in the face of adversity.
Concluding his reflections, Ryan implores those who unfollowed him to recognize Kirk’s humanity. “He never said anything hateful… I would just like to tell them that he was a human being too,” he said. This appeal serves as a reminder that beyond the political agendas and public images, there lies a human story that deserves compassion. Ryan illustrates a poignant truth: in a world polarized by beliefs, understanding and empathy often get lost. The heart behind the artist’s intentions speaks volumes, urging others to reconsider their perspectives on those they may oppose.
Sam Ryan’s journey through the creation of this portrait encapsulates the challenges and rewards of using art to navigate the turbulent waters of modern dialogue. It is a bold statement of respect towards a lost figure, intertwined with the complexities of faith, truth, and human connection. In honoring Charlie Kirk, Ryan not only pays tribute to a friend but raises critical questions about our collective ability to see beyond our differences and recognize the shared human experience.
"*" indicates required fields
