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Branded: In Formation
The “Branded: In Formation” series explores niche tattoo subcultures within #America . The first works in the series are flags made from sheepskin hides, featuring a survey of #trumptattoos , mined through an exhaustive internet search. They represent over two hundred actual documented tattoos that were inspired by the former US president, both satirical and fanatical.
As someone who has been tattooed several times and later regretted them, I’m fascinated by what others choose to permanently render on their bodies. Tattoos are personal choice, yet political in that they are a deliberate branding; in which we publicly state our commitments (and give free advertising to) brands, fads, and cultural iconography.
As someone who has been tattooed several times and later regretted them, I’m fascinated by what others choose to permanently render on their bodies. Tattoos are personal choice, yet political in that they are a deliberate branding; in which we publicly state our commitments (and give free advertising to) brands, fads, and cultural iconography.
#trumptattoos (With makeup), 2020
Laserjet ink transfers on tanned sheepskin, thread, concho rivets, blush, bronzer, & shade.
24" High x 34" Wide
24" High x 34" Wide
#trumptattoos (Without makeup), 2020
Laserjet ink transfers on tanned sheepskin, thread.
24" High x 34" Wide
24" High x 34" Wide
American Splenda
This installation is a curated survey of patriotic consumer products that utilize the image of the American flag as a graphic or surface decoration. All of the items included within the installation were purchased by the artist from eBay, Amazon, and thrift stores. While all of the objects use the image of the flag as a graphic pattern, no actual flags have been used.
The impetus for this installation originated shortly after I created "The Bride Laid Bare," in 2018, an artwork made of a divided and whitewashed US flag (seen below), that was exhibited on the floor of a gallery that receives government funding. The work caused such a fervent reaction from one veteran that it turned into a national news story, covered on FoxNews and Breitbart, and prompting 132 people to message me with vehement reactions, outright censure, expletives, and death wishes. This led to many exchanges about America’s relationship with our national flag, often converging on how the inviolability of the flag has been distorted due to the commodification of the image. This installation aims to represent the overwhelming offerings found within one specific niche of the consumer market; a spectacle reflecting a recent cultural phenomenon of intensifying nationalist sentiments.
The impetus for this installation originated shortly after I created "The Bride Laid Bare," in 2018, an artwork made of a divided and whitewashed US flag (seen below), that was exhibited on the floor of a gallery that receives government funding. The work caused such a fervent reaction from one veteran that it turned into a national news story, covered on FoxNews and Breitbart, and prompting 132 people to message me with vehement reactions, outright censure, expletives, and death wishes. This led to many exchanges about America’s relationship with our national flag, often converging on how the inviolability of the flag has been distorted due to the commodification of the image. This installation aims to represent the overwhelming offerings found within one specific niche of the consumer market; a spectacle reflecting a recent cultural phenomenon of intensifying nationalist sentiments.
The Bride Laid Bare
Version 2: (Blush & Conceal), 2018. United States flag (divided in two), whitewash, blush, concealer, and eyeshadow cosmetics.
48 inches x 75 inches wide. Installed on floor inside entrance to the gallery, with 6 inch path between left and right sections.
48 inches x 75 inches wide. Installed on floor inside entrance to the gallery, with 6 inch path between left and right sections.
Version 1: (January 2018) United States flag (divided in two), whitewash. 48 inches x 75 inches wide.
Installed on floor inside entrance to the gallery, with 6 inch path between left and right sections.
Installed on floor inside entrance to the gallery, with 6 inch path between left and right sections.
