Digital Print on Glass

16in x 20in

PROJECT OVERVIEW

These Truths 1.21.20 is a powerful 16x20 digital print on glass that presents a modern-day David and Goliath scenario. The image features a young girl facing the imposing U.S. Supreme Court building, looking up at the phrase on the west pediment of the U.S. Supreme Court, which reads, "Equal Justice Under Law."  The girl's identity is deliberately obscured, allowing viewers to project themselves into her place and reflect on the broader themes of the artwork.

The source image was taken in January 2020 the weekend of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, The Women's March on Washington, during the Trump Impeachment Trials. It catalogs a point of tension in America, foreshadowing the see-saw of hope and fear that has come, in the fight for control over women's bodies in the United States. While its capture predated the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade, the landmark 1973 ruling that recognized the constitutional right to privacy, recognizing the right to abortion, also serves as a direct response to this event. 

In the composition, the Supreme Court Building, also known as "The Marble Palace," is skewed dramatically to the right, symbolizing political leanings. The young girl occupies the center and left of the frame, representing the individual's stance against institutional power. Her hands have been digitally removed to signify helplessness, while her shadow is elongated to represent time, age, strength, and resilience. The temperature of the image has been adjusted to remove any softness, with radial striations replacing clouds in the sky, enhancing the image's stark and resolute atmosphere. The creation of These Truths 1.21.20 involved capturing the scene using digital video and photography, followed by meticulous editing with computer software to refine the narrative and symbolism. All extraneous elements, such as tourists, police officers, signage, and even the subject's hand, were removed to focus the viewer's attention on the interaction between the young girl and the Supreme Court building.

This artwork invites viewers to contemplate the current socio-political landscape, especially in light of significant legal changes affecting women's rights. By anonymizing the young girl, the piece encourages a personal connection and reflection, making the viewer confront their biases and perspectives on the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. These Truths 1.21.20 stands as a poignant commentary on power, resistance, and the enduring fight for civil liberties in America.

EXHIBITIONS

Times Square TSX Jumbotron Billboard, HMVC Gallery New York, New York, NY.

1500 Broadway & West 43rd Street New York, NY. (Forthcoming: June 19, 2024) 

Made in the USA: Freedom of Expression Exhibition, TAG Gallery, Los Angeles, CA 

and catalog published by LA Press. 

Moments, HMVC Gallery New York, New York, NY. (June 1- June 30, 2024)

Figuration, Gallery Omnibus, Dresden, Germany. (March 1- March 30, 2024)

2020 Studio Art and Digital Media & Design Faculty Exhibition, The William Benton Museum of Art. Storrs, CT.  

INTELLECTUAL IMPACT & MERIT

Intellectual Merit

"these truths 1.21.20" holds substantial intellectual merit through its innovative combination of digital techniques and its profound socio-political commentary. The piece challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of justice and power dynamics in contemporary society. By blending traditional and digital art forms, it offers a fresh perspective on historical themes and their relevance today. The meticulous editing and symbolic representation within the image demonstrate a high level of artistic and conceptual sophistication.

Impact

The impact of "these truths 1.21.20" is far-reaching, amplified by its exhibition at several prominent venues, reaching diverse audiences and fostering important dialogues about social justice and equity. In 2024, the piece will be displayed on the Times Square Jumbotron TSX Billboard, a location known for its high visibility with an estimated 330,000 daily visitors, as part of the “Moments” exhibit with HMVC Gallery in New York. This nine-story, 14'11" x 132'3" screen is located at the southeast corner of 7th Avenue and 47th Street. Additionally, has been featured  Gallery Omnibus in Dresden, Germany (whose virtual exhibit attracts 2500+ visitors per show)  TAG Gallery in Los Angeles, CA, (a venue that typically attracts thousands of visitors each month) further extending its reach. In 2020, it debuted as a part of an exhibition at The William Benton Museum of Art in Storrs, CT, and is held in a private collection at Seigel, Reilly & Kaufman LLC in Stamford, CT.

The piece has been featured in various related publications, enhancing its visibility and impact. It was an official selection at TAG Gallery in Los Angeles and included in the "TAG Made In The USA: Freedom of Expression Exhibition Catalog," published by Los Angeles Press. In 2020, it was spotlighted in the "2020 UConn Faculty Exhibition" by The William Benton Museum of Art.

Through these exhibitions and publications, "these truths 1.21.20" continues to engage and inspire audiences, prompting critical reflection on the issues of justice, power, and gender in contemporary society. The piece's intellectual and emotional depth ensures its lasting impact on viewers and its relevance in ongoing socio-political discourse.