“I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.”

This was the oath taken by our 44th President, Barack Obama. Those words were spoken four years ago by our 45th President, Donald Trump, and now repeated by our 46th President, Joe Biden.

In my painting, The Oath, I’ve attempted to capture the fragility of the act when Lincoln’s bible rested delicately within Michelle Obama’s grasp and upon which Barack Obama gently placed his hand.

The peaceful transition from one president to another is the hallmark of our democracy, yet that act is indeed a fragile one.