For some, the American flag represents much more than the intended symbolism behind its stars and stripes – be it nationalist pride or the American Dream. For others, the opposite rings true, with this set of individuals taking an iconoclastic approach towards Old Glory. A handful of contemporary artists have chosen to explore this fascinating dichotomy, appropriating its image to create works that challenge viewers’ perceptions and beliefs. At this year’s Art Basel Miami, NYC gallery Queer Thoughts presented an artwork by Puppies Puppies featuring American flags tiled across the floor. When questioned on the motives behind showing this work, gallery director Sam Lipp told Artnet, “It was conceived before the election, but afterwards we pushed to make it happen.”
In light of this controversial piece, we look back on 10 other works that transform the stars and stripes into an entirely new vision of hope and loss.
“Flag” (1954-1955) by Jasper Johns, image courtesy of jasper-johns.org
“Flag” by Jasper Johns
Jasper Johns has painted the American flag many times throughout his career. The concept stems from a dream the artist had in 1954, and has resulted in many different iterations of the icon in Johns’ work.
“Untitled (Flag)” (1979) by Jean-Michel Basquiat, image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com
“Untitled (Flag)” by Jean-Michel Basquiat
According to the Smithsonian, Basquiat’s former roommate Alexis Adler has previously vocalised the artist’s affinity for the flag. “Jean-Michel Basquiat always saw the flag as American art,” stated Adler once.
“What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?” (1988) by Dread Scott, image courtesy of dreadscott.net
“What is the Proper Way to Display a US Flag?” by Dread Scott
By placing the flag on the floor, Dread Scott forced America to question what the banner really stands for as well as why. The work resulted in a great deal of political turmoil, with President George Bush Sr dismissing the creative’s work, while Scott would go on to burn the flag on the steps of the US Capitol.
“American Music Festival – New York City Ballet” (1988) by Keith Haring, image courtesy of tumblr.com
“American Music Festival – New York City Ballet” by Keith Haring
Created as a flyer for the New York City Ballet, Keith Haring utilises his signature cartoon figures, placing them against the flag to play with its components.
“African-American Flag” (1990) by David Hammons, photo by Pablo Enriquez and courtesy of moma.org
“African-American Flag” by David Hammons
Transforming the American flag with red, black and green – colours that represent blood, black skin and African forestry – David Hammons examines the nation’s always-contentious racial politics.
“Untitled” (1991) by Barbara Kruger, image courtesy of pinterest.com
“Untitled” by Barbara Kruger
Barbara Kruger is not the first artist to raise the questions presented in “Untitled”, but she does so in such a blunt way that the viewer is left with little opportunity to deny the validity in her queries. Though it was originally created in 1991, current events in America prove that these questions still deserve recognition, as well as answers from the nation’s leaders.
“Deconstructed Flag” (2012) by Brian Kenny, image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com
“Deconstructed Flag” by Brian Kenny
Part of a series of works by the artist Brian Kenny, “Deconstructed Flag” focuses specifically on what it means to be gay and neglected in America. In an interview with the Huffington Post, Kenny says: “I feel discontent with the current political and economic system that allows for so much corruption and social injustice. I wanted to express this discontent in my art, so I learned how to sew and made a series of deconstructed American flags with fallen or removed stars and stripes.”
“Broken Flag” (2012) by Patrick Martinez, image courtesy of tumblr.com
“Broken Flag” by Patrick Martinez
Another artist deconstructing the stars and stripes is Patrick Martinez, an LA-based creative primarily working with neon.
“Untitled (The Pequod)” (2014) by Robert Longo, image courtesy of mueckeinc.com
“Untitled (The Pequod)” by Robert Longo
Towering at 17 feet tall and comprising steel, wood and wax, this massive sculpture by Robert Longo is part of a bigger American-centric body of work by the artist. With the alternate title of “The Pequod”, this artwork gives metaphoric reference to the ship from Moby Dick.
“White Flag” (2015) by AA Bronson, image courtesy of momus.ca
“White Flag” by AA Bronson
Created after the Twin Tower attacks on September 11, the chalky coating on “White Flag” bears resemblance to the dust and debris that covered Manhattan after 9/11. Meanwhile, the work’s title is borrowed from a flower of the same name that is popular in both Muslim and Christian funerals – thus, creating a larger discussion around the shared mourning as well as the fear mongering that followed these events.