ART: The Gerry Brownlee mural at the New Brighton Mall.

A portrait of American President Barack Obama has been recreated in Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee's honour - but it won't be gaining him any votes.

A recreation of a well-known image of Obama's 2008 election campaign, now featuring Brownlee's likeness, has appeared in the Creative Corner at New Brighton Mall.

Created by Christchurch art student Bex Gibbs, the mural criticises the minister's role at the helm of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority.

Gibbs said the idea for the mural came after she designed an identical poster for a democratic march.

"It was really popular and everyone thought it was really funny. I was really proud of it," she said.

Gibbs is part of Christchurch group The Suffra-jests, who did not agree with many of his policies and decisions.

"We're trying to make a difference, particularly in Christchurch.... we're bringing democracy back to Christchurch, and he's described people like us as whingers."

She had expected the artwork to fly under-the-radar, and was surprised at the reaction it had received.

A series of photos showing the making of the mural is featured on The Suffra-jests Facebook page.

The stylised portrait of Obama was produced by artist Shepard Fairey, and became internationally recognisable after the 2008 presidential race.