Wednesday, July 13, 2011

FLAG Day at Islip Art Museum

ISLIP ART MUSEUM PRESENTS "FLAG DAY"

JUNE 15 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2011

RECEPTION FOR THE ARTISTS: SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1-4PM

An object that is designated as a flag -- whether national, personal or ornamental -- is purposeful and symbolic. Like painting, flags are rooted in the distinct conveyance of an idea. Since Betsy Ross stitched those first 13 stars into a circle, there have been over 27 iterations of the American flag, each one signifying a precise adjustment in meaning. From the patriotism of Childe Hassam to appropriation as in Jasper Johns' Flag and David Hammons' African American Flag to the fierce protests against Dread Scott for his 1989 installation at the Chicago Institute of Art, the flag -- graphic, plastic and ripe with content - is an ongoing artist's muse.

As the face of a nation, the flag itself - any flag, in any country - can be a powerful tool for dissidence as well as patriotism. The solid green of Libya; color triunes used by Lithuania, Thailand, France; the sleek graphics of Botswana, Columbia, Germany and club pennants, banners, markers, nautical flags and decals - each represent a concept that is as rich in imagery, color and graphic design as it is in political, personal or national content. In concept, however, flags are plastic. As a tool for communication they can function symbolically or literally; they might adhere to a fixed pattern or be fluid in theory or philosophy or perhaps, like painting itself, they might serve as a statement of personal identity unrelated to politics.

Flag Day opened to the public on June 15th and will continue through September 4, 2011. An artist's

reception will take place on Sunday, July 24, from 1 - 4 p.m. For further information, please call Islip Art Museum at 631-224-5402 or visit www.islipartmuseum.org


Islip Art Museum
50 Irish Lane
East Islip, New York
631.224.5402
www.islipartmuseum.org

Media Related Questions

Beth Giacummo IAM Curatorial Administrator/ Curator

Beth.isliparts@gmail.com