Out of the Ashes, 2001–2002

Painted after September 11, 2001, Out of the Ashes shows what came out of the tragedy: faith, unity, and American resilience. The painting required extensive historical reference so that the symbolism, the setting, and the individuals connected to the event would be portrayed accurately. Reproductions hang in the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library, the NYPD Museum, and Port Authority headquarters as a lasting national memorial.

After the original was complete, Turner painted a version honoring the New York Police Department. When NYPD leadership reviewed it, they asked that the department’s flag-raising be added to reflect the losses the department had borne. That version hangs in the NYPD Museum.

A second commissioned variation was made for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey after its leadership asked for additional portraits of personnel lost in the attacks. Turner added ten individuals so their sacrifice would be represented accurately. That version hangs in Port Authority headquarters.

When President George H. W. Bush saw a print of Out of the Ashes, he asked for a copy before the final details were complete. At a formal meeting at the Bush Presidential Library, both George and Barbara Bush signed the print. Afterward, Barbara Bush leaned toward Turner and said simply, “It’s great art.”