Jackie O By: Karl Soderlund

Nicknamed "Jackie O" by what became known as the paparazzi, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis became one of the most photographed woman in history.

Her notoriety began early when she was dubbed as "Debutante of the year". Later while serving as First Lady she became a fashion icon, wearing clothing by Oleg Cassini, Chanel, Givenchy and Dior. Her style and class soon became known as the "Jackie Look". Many images from her pill box hat, pearl necklace and her large round sunglasses are a legacy that is still with us today. The background symbols in this painting are well known photographed images of the "Jackie Look".

Jacqueline Kennedy became very involved in art, culture and historic preservation for the rest of her life. She led the charge in the White House restoration and curation of the art collection. She would even receive an Emmy for her televised tour of the newly refurbished White House. Later in life Jackie became very involved as a preservationist as she help preserve the Grand Central Terminal in NYC and Lafayette Square across from the White House. Today the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis medal is given to preservationists.

As first lady, Jackie was well respected and added a sense of class and style to the White House and it's image around the world. In many ways she was more popular then the president, as John F. Kennedy said, "I am the man that accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris - and I have enjoyed it".

After mourning both John and Robert Kennedy's death, Jackie was trying to escape the media attention and provide safety for her children. She married Aristotle Onassis who was able to offer this privacy for her family. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis later lived in NYC and also worked as an editor for a book publisher until her death.

In 2001 the Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibited a collection of Jacqueline Kennedy's wardrobe from the White House Years. The exhibit was a huge success.

In my paintings the subjects are iconic in who they are or what they represent.  However, the real story is what is revealed within the painting.  I use representational symbols to create scenes within paintings to tell the story of the subject.  Like a puzzle, the closer you look, the more symbols you will find.