These works were made in response to the allegorical nature with which women are used to represent American national identity. Lady Liberty, Justice, Freedom; all malleable figures whose characteristics we call upon to force national unity, overcome political crisis, and try and define what the future of our country should be. These pieces were made as America was responding to the murder of George Floyd, the COVID-19 pandemic, and ongoing political unrest. While we often think of political and social upheaval as negative events, there is so much joy embedded in the potential to replace old systems of governance with ones that more closely live up to the ideals on which this country was founded. My hope is that we can keep this joy in mind as we move forward towards a more radically created future.
Joyful Disturbances #3, Lithography and Screen Print, 8×10″ – 2021.
Belle-Pilar Fleming 