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Daily Art Moment: American flag

June 24, 2020
Gordon Parks (American, 1912–2006). “American Gothic, Washington, D.C.,” 1942 (negative), printed later. Gelatin silver print. Gift of Ashira and Richard Belsey, ST1999.2.1

“Monuments are on my mind. As we are seeing statues of racist historical figures being toppled in cities across the country, my thoughts jump over to the American flag. A singular symbol of the idea and the ideals that the United States represents, it also speaks of our history of oppression and the constant fight to attain a reality that upholds democracy, freedom, equality, and justice for everyone. I selected artworks by Gordon Parks, Fritz Scholder, Deborah Faye Lawrence, Jasper Johns, and Corita Kent to offer reflections on the experiences of conflict and hope wrapped up in this object. Thank you for taking a look.”

—Sara Krajewski, The Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art

Fritz Scholder (American, born 1937). Bicentennial Indian, from the Kent Bicentennial Portfolio: Spirit of Independence, 1975. Color lithograph on paper. Gift of Lorillard, 76.4.12
Jasper Johns (American, born 1930). FLAGS II, 1973. Screenprint on J. B. Green paper. Gift of a private donor, 2013.8.61
Deborah Faye Lawrence (American, born 1952). New Preamble, 2008. Canvas, paper, wood, steel, copper, and recycled U.S. flags. Gift of the artist and Catherine Person Gallery, Seattle, 2012.85.1
Corita Kent (American, 1918–1986). flag of my home, 1976. Color screenprint on wove paper. The Vivian and Gordon Gilkey Graphic Arts Collection, 92.94.271 © Corita Art Center, Immaculate Heart Community, Los Angeles, CA

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