Controversial conservative artist Scott LoBaido was caught on camera hanging up one of the viral Donald Trump traffic signs in Manhattan, despite initially denying involvement. The photo, posted on Reddit and later deleted, showed him and two accomplices installing the unauthorized street sign featuring a silhouette of Trump near Third Avenue. Commenters quickly identified LoBaido, known for his public protest art and stunts like releasing penis-shaped balloons outside a courthouse and throwing pizza at city hall in protest over various issues.
LoBaido has a history of controversial protests, including throwing horse manure at the Brooklyn Museum in 1999 for displaying a controversial elephant-dung-infused portrait of the Virgin Mary. He has also been known to create public art installations in support of his beliefs, such as the Trump signs in Manhattan. Despite initially denying involvement when the signs first appeared in Brooklyn and Staten Island, LoBaido later posted on Instagram that he noticed the “Trump sign bandit struck again” and showcased more signs around the city, including in front of Robert De Niro’s Tribeca Grill and the New York Times building.
The signs, which feature a silhouette of Trump with his signature hairstyle and the words “Trump crossing,” have a serial-style number at the bottom, S4665L, which matches LoBaido’s birthdate of April 6, 1965. The city Department of Transportation has stated that they will remove the unauthorized signs, as posting materials on public property is prohibited by NYC Administrative Code. First offenses can result in a fine of $75 to $150, but it is unclear if they will seek to punish the individual responsible for hanging the signs.
Despite the controversy surrounding the Trump signs, LoBaido has garnered attention for his bold and often attention-grabbing protests and artworks. His actions have sparked debate and discussion about freedom of expression, public art, and political activism. Whether one agrees with his methods or not, LoBaido’s actions have certainly not gone unnoticed, and his willingness to push boundaries and challenge norms has made him a figure of interest in the art and political worlds.
The viral nature of the Trump signs, along with LoBaido’s involvement, has added another layer to the ongoing debate over public art, political expression, and the role of artists in society. While some may see his actions as a form of vandalism, others may view them as an important form of protest and resistance. Regardless of one’s stance, it is clear that LoBaido’s work has sparked conversation and controversy, shedding light on the intersection of art, politics, and activism in today’s society. As the city works to address the unauthorized signs and potentially penalize those responsible, the legacy of LoBaido’s actions will likely continue to provoke discussion and reflection on the power of art to influence public discourse and shape cultural narratives.
