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 Corona Clarion from The Corona Chronicles as an origin piece for the series. Its use of red, white and blue, as well as its commentary on the U.S. response to the pandemic led me to this new focus. 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.

Assemblage

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Cardboard Collage

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

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