Alternate U.S. Flags
Ties that Bind, 2020
United States flag woven with mini flags of other countries that use red or white in their flag, gold-tone flagpole, pedestal, found objects (bronze Statue of Liberty figurine, astroturf, picket fence).
Approx. 8.5’H x 2’ W x 6’ D
Approx. 8.5’H x 2’ W x 6’ D
#trumptattoos (With makeup), 2020
The work that initiated the Branded series was created after I observed a trend of #trumptattoos, and mined social media for any that I could find. The flag is a survey of over two hundred actual, unique documented tattoos that were inspired by Donald J. Trump, (both satirical and fanatical), on tanned sheepskin.
Laserjet ink transfers on tanned sheepskin, thread, concho rivets, blush, bronzer, & shade.
24" H x 34" W
Laserjet ink transfers on tanned sheepskin, thread, concho rivets, blush, bronzer, & shade.
24" H x 34" W
#trumptattoos (2nd version. Without makeup), 2020
Laserjet ink transfers on tanned sheepskin, thread.
24" H x 34" W
24" H x 34" W
The Bride Laid Bare 2 (With makeup), 2018
6’ x 4’ nylon US flag with whitewash, blush, eyeshadow, bronzer.
5” path between the two sides, fixed to the floor.
5” path between the two sides, fixed to the floor.
The American flag is a symbol. The colors, stars and stripes in the American flag design have historical symbolism. In turn, this work uses the flag as a symbol; a metaphor for the state of the nation. It was made with the intent to create dialogue.
The nation lays bare. Left and Right separated in two. Divided. Exposed. Vulnerable.
Do we respect the country enough to tread carefully?
Can we unify by meeting in the middle?
The flag has been whitewashed, to represent the suppression of unpleasant histories and tensions. It is also a clean slate for our future actions.
The flag has been split in two, just as our nation is divided by political discord.
The placement on the floor relates to the historic slogan “Don’t tread on me,” as well as represents our nations vulnerability, and the tracking of our chosen paths. For the exhibit, the artwork was placed in the entrance to the gallery, with a narrow path to allow people to keep from stepping on it.
The actions of the viewer become contributions to the work. Does the viewer walk forward blindly without being aware of their surroundings?
When the viewer realized what they were stepping on, did they quickly jump off, or were they unaffected?
If this piece bothers the viewer, or if the viewer hesitated or considered their actions before stepping forward, then it has been effective in causing them to think about their relationship to the American flag, its value, and its meaning.
The nation lays bare. Left and Right separated in two. Divided. Exposed. Vulnerable.
Do we respect the country enough to tread carefully?
Can we unify by meeting in the middle?
The flag has been whitewashed, to represent the suppression of unpleasant histories and tensions. It is also a clean slate for our future actions.
The flag has been split in two, just as our nation is divided by political discord.
The placement on the floor relates to the historic slogan “Don’t tread on me,” as well as represents our nations vulnerability, and the tracking of our chosen paths. For the exhibit, the artwork was placed in the entrance to the gallery, with a narrow path to allow people to keep from stepping on it.
The actions of the viewer become contributions to the work. Does the viewer walk forward blindly without being aware of their surroundings?
When the viewer realized what they were stepping on, did they quickly jump off, or were they unaffected?
If this piece bothers the viewer, or if the viewer hesitated or considered their actions before stepping forward, then it has been effective in causing them to think about their relationship to the American flag, its value, and its meaning.