Brian Bonitto, Acting Entertainment Editor

Fung poses next to his painting, which won top spot in the Manifest Hope Gallery Competition in Denver, Colorado, last month. - contributed

With his brush, Phil Fung painted a picture of hope, change, patriotism and progress. In doing so, he took the top spot in the Manifest Hope Gallery Competition in Denver, Colorado, last month.

His 'masterpiece' was displayed at the Democratic National Convention in Denver from August 24 to 28.

The panel of judges, which consisted of curators from the Guggenheim and the Denver Museum of Contemporary Art, saw Fung's entry as the top offering.

"I was shocked when I learnt that I won," said the American-born Fung, whose parents are from Jamaica.

"It really did not sink in until all the phone calls kept coming in," said the 28-year-old Florida resident.

Strong statement

The pop-art painter, who operates a studio in Miami, said that he heard of the competition through a friend, and entered. His submission, one of 1,200, was chosen as symbolising the themes of Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama's campaign.

"It felt really good," the artist said. He explained that in arriving at the concept, he decided to make a strong statement.

"I chose colours that expressed vibrancy," he said. "Obama is larger than life."

Fung, who holds a master's in art education, said that Obama, whose father is Kenyan and mother a white American, is an "amazing person".

"He has gotten me and the world excited ... we just have to wait and see," he said.

Obama, a senator from Illinois, will face the Republican senator John McCain in the presidential election this November.

Good reviews

As for his painting, Fung said that he did not see it on display at the convention as he did not attend, but heard some good reviews.

He said that his winning entry was now being shipped from Colorado back to him in Miami.

"It's already sold," he declared. "It was sold for US$18,000."

Fung said that he plans to donate the money to a New Orleans-based charity, Habitat for Humanity.

"I used to live in New Orleans and lost a studio to [Hurricane] Katrina," he said. "I just want to help in the rebuilding process."

As for the future, Fung said that he will continue painting and wants to do some travelling shows.

"I just don't want to end up starving," he said with a chuckle.