the buzz log

Change has come to the White House walls. The Obamas have the largest selection of modern art ever to hang in the people's house. Those artworks you learned about in school — abstract paintings of words, blocks of color, and lines — are the signature of the Obamas' choices.

But here's the rub. While their decisions have caused a bit of a stir in the art world, the paintings might not be for everyone. A red 1983 canvas "I think I'll…" by Ed Ruscha, pictured above, could leave you scratching your head. It's certainly not in line with the classic presidential portraits of Kennedy and Washington or lush battle paintings that hang in the Oval Office.

On the other hand, new pieces include seven works by black artists, Native American pottery, and a patent model for Samuel Morse's telegraph. (View a slideshow of some of the Obama selections.)

In case you were worried that the look of the White House is changing, it's not. The artworks are in the Obamas' private quarters and offices. They're actually not allowed to change up the public space without approval from the Committee for the Preservation of the White House. And they haven't even met with the President and First Lady.

Maybe they should. A little diversity in the White House art might be change we could believe in.