New mural of ‘bald baby’ JD Vance appears in Fishtown.

A recently unveiled mural of U.S. Vice President JD Vance has captured the attention of both locals and social media users alike, appearing on the side wall of Sulimay’s Restaurant in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood. This mural showcases a whimsical interpretation of the Vice President, often referred to as the “bald baby” or “baby Vance” meme, characterized by a wide-eyed, chubby visage with a bald head. The image is part of a larger trend that has seen various internet memes featuring Vance circulate widely, including humorous renditions that liken him to the characters from popular culture.

Social media engagement with the mural has been significant. A TikTok video published by user Paige Weinman has garnered nearly 900,000 likes and almost 3 million views, reflecting the considerable interest in the artwork and its humorous underpinnings. Weinman expressed surprise at the level of response her post elicited, although she anticipated that the mural itself would attract considerable attention.

The mural contains the inscription “FUBARPAC,” which stands for “F**ked Up Beyond All Recognition Political Action Committee.” This initiative is orchestrated by Jack Inacker, the founder and executive director of FUBAR PAC, which positions itself as a “veteran-led Democratic opposition” against what it terms “MAGA cowards.” The decision to transform the meme into a mural followed months of sharing various iterations of Vance memes with friends, leading Inacker to envision a community project that would not only entertain but also foster dialogue around significant political issues, specifically the financial ramifications of the Trump administration’s policies.

Inacker sourced a wall for the mural through the Philadelphia subreddit, ultimately determining that Sulimay’s was an ideal location. Armed with a projector, Sharpie markers, and paint purchased from a local store, Inacker and an artist colleague commenced work on the piece, which took approximately 12 hours to complete. Local residents joined in to assist with the mural’s creation, demonstrating community engagement and enthusiasm for the project.

While the mural serves as a lighthearted artistic expression, Inacker hopes it will also stimulate conversations surrounding political action. He plans to include a QR code linked to a voter registration form, positioning the mural as both a photographic opportunity and an educational asset. This strategy aims to lower the barriers to political participation, making it accessible and enjoyable for broader demographics.

The project adds to a growing phenomenon; altered images of JD Vance have seeded a global discourse, evidenced by an incident in June when a Norwegian tourist claimed he was denied entry into the U.S. due to possessing a Vance meme. This move prompted public discourse about freedom of expression and its implications in contemporary America.

As the mural mirrors an international trend of political commentary through art, it aligns Philadelphia with a global movement. Posters mirroring the mural’s themes have appeared in various locations, such as during Vance’s tour of England, underscoring the widespread reach of the Vice President’s internet persona and the pop culture landscape surrounding him.

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