My American Flags

A New Constellation, 13" x 24", 2020. Based on the first flag, aka the Betsy Ross flag. With its 13 stars, Ross called it a new constellation. The letters JOEKAMALA2020 = 13, hence the title.

In mid 2020, steeped in the unavoidable politics surrounding the pandemic, racial justice, economic equity and the presidential election comes a brand new series using the potent symbol of the American flag as a jumping-off point. The apparent conflict between what the star spangled banner purported to stand for and reality begged for exploration. It seemed a symbol of patriotism for only a subset of citizens and was associated with a certain mindset and particular opinions.

In hindsight I can see seeds of this preoccupation in past work. Here, I began work reflecting on my evolving and diverse feelings about this country, using the structure and colors of the star-bangled banner. "My American Flags" explores truths not so self evident.

Cardboard Collage

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

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Assemblage

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Click on an image to see it full size and with annotation.

See work from a flag workshop I conducted from late November 2020 up until Inauguration week 2021.