Phil Fung, a Chinese-Jamaican-American painter, received word that a panel of judges, consisting of curators from the Guggenheim and the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, chose his portrait of Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, to be featured at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Fung’s painting was chosen from over 1,200 submissions, for symbolizing all the themes the Obama Campaign brought to public awareness: Hope, Change, Progress, Unity and Patriotism.  When asked why he painted Senator Obama’s portrait, Fung responded, “I think he is the politician my generation has been waiting for.  I am a first-generation American of Chinese-Jamaican lineage, and I think Senator Obama has a unique understanding of what that means.  I wanted to show my support the best way I knew how; so I painted him!” 

Phil Fung’s painting will be displayed in the Manifest Hope Gallery at the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO from August 24-28.  After, it will be auctioned and the proceeds donated to charity. Phil Fung received a BA in Fine Arts from the Florida State University, and a Masters of Art Education from the University of Central Florida.  He currently resides and maintains his studio in Miami, FL.