Chinese Greet 'Oba Mao'

[Bruenor]

Chinese Greet 'Oba Mao' With Flaming Statue, Wave of Enthusiasm

Sunday's arrival of a U.S. president admired for his charisma is already a source of profit and brief fame for some Chinese.

The Chinese have learned English from his speeches and celebrated the way he rolls up his sleeves. Now President Obama is finally coming, and he's being greeted with "Oba Mao" T-shirts and a statue of him that bursts into flames.


Sunday's arrival of a U.S. president admired for his charisma is already a source of profit and brief fame for some Chinese.


Strangest is the burning Obama, tucked away in a Beijing warehouse. Artist Liu Bolin hopes Obama can take time from his visit to drop by.
"He's so hot right now, so I wanted to translate that through my work," said Liu, who was inspired by the idea of the first black U.S. president.
The bronze Obama bust is modeled on Time magazine's "Man of the Year" cover and is speckled with holes for gas that ignites every couple of minutes.


It's a positive work, Liu said.


"Yes, setting something on fire can have negative connotations, but this piece represents energy and life that Obama has given to the world," said the 38-year-old, who made a similar piece for former revolutionary leader Mao Zedong.
"We're eager to see what he can do for China and U.S. relations."

 

[Josed]

If he is the big influence to China they claim, they can keep this lying bastard. Good ridence to this pile of garbage.

 

[ArmedProgrammer]

I saw the "bursting into flames" part and was beginning to think that they were on to something....

All kidding aside - if they like him so much, they can have him...