"Where Liberty Dwells" examines perceived reality and power concerning our current political climate. It calls attention to sweeping statements and misinformation in American culture, and how these influences shape contemporary thought while employing satire and kitsch to historicize the resent era. The twenty-five echoes the 25th Amendment regarding the termination for elected officials in the US, including the Presidency, when they become unable (unfit) to perform their duties. These symbolic and historic "relics" are guided in gold and resented on lush velvet cushions atop ornate pedestals. They specifically reference issues such as global warming, gun control, border protection, corruption, social media intentions espionage, and patriarchy.
The cushions, adorn with golden tassels with kitschy objects, referencing the opulence of the monarchy and the excesses associated with the 1%. Viewers navigate the installation while encountering the embedded and latent tension present in these seemingly lavish objects. Be historicizing our present moment, I communicate current issues through my artwork, such as the #FakeNews era, late-stage capitalism, animal rights, Wikileaks, immigration policies, patriarchy, and the societal and environmental implications of the unconstrained wealth and consumption.
As a female artist/activist reflecting on contemporary American culture, I find it crucial to map these times in American history.