Amidst the current sociopolitical turmoil and fervor in the United States, an innovative forum for the open mind has been in need. American Expressions is a project committed to creating that forum for all citizens. The project is a social experiment, political awakening, and artistic representation of expression through an 8’ foot by 16’ foot steel sculpture of an American Flag. The flag was toured throughout the United States in the months leading up to the 2016 Presidential Election allowing people to write directly on the flag, documenting these encounters, and listening to the people of this great nation. Read about these expereinces in the blog posts from American Expressions four month national examination.
Artist Ira Hill invites the public to communicate their truths, their passions, their gratitude, and their gripes on the icon that represents us all, united. Ira is employing cultural shock treatment by empowering the public with a mild act of civil disobedience. The sharing of their thoughts on our flag emboldens their rights as a citizen, momentarily reviving the notion that “my opinion matters.” This combination and contrast of expression and tolerance is the core of our American idea and something we desparately need more practice at. American Expressions strives to bridge the ever widening gap between our individal liberties and our collective responsibility to the greater good through this interactive public artwork.
American Expression is a gateway to encourage the common people to get involved. Some may want to preserve the flag’s original colors of red, white and blue. Some may want rainbows. Some may speak their minds and some may want to write out their stories. Regardless of choice, this project seeks to help citizens realize that every voice is woven into the fabric of democracy we live in. More than a political opinion poll American Expressions engages each participant in a role that maximizes the freedoms we here are afforded.
ALL ARTISTS AND PATRIOTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN US IN PRACTICING FREEDOM AND COMPASSION.
