Anthem

2019

Anthem serves to share both analytical data and emotional connections to the viewer on the subject of school shootings in the US. Black and white flag pieces made by altering US flags are flown above grave shaped mounds that take up the room. Those flags are meant to communicate the messages a black and white flag each can represent in battle, this battle being in the fight to cull the epidemic of school shootings en mass in the USA. Each flag sits in front of a chronologically ordered wall mounted book comprised of 300 toe tags, each with the date, location and number of victims of a school shooting in the US. This information is meant to show any viewer how widespread and historic these events are, whole also showing how close to home they are. Anthem seeks to disseminate information and pull emotion, but the work is not designed to fix the issue directly but create dialogue with viewers to look for solutions to the issue inside and outside the gallery. Each flag can, should and will be utilized outside white wall spaces to protest and be performative so that non-art viewers can share in the discussion and work towards new strategies in taking on gun violence in the US system of current violent behavior.

Kent State University

DE114A90DEB294CA

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