A few weeks back we started noticing green and red posters around Chicago emblazoned with the slogan "Nothing We Can't Fix". They caught our attention with their hand lettered embellishment's contradictory philosophies and their uncanny ability to blend into the visual landscape. In a recent blog post we mistakingly linked the messages of two of the pieces which had been placed on Chicago Avenue. Viewed through political myopia, we took them at their face value as divisive political discourse, and thereby missed the true essence of what was at work here. Luckily the artist who created the prints, Nick Adam, was kind enough to contact us and provide us with an overview of the project he has titled: We/Us=USA. Pieces from this series have been installed in Washington D.C. as well as Chicago, and it turns out Nick Adam is not attacking a mere political or social viewpoint, but instead is probing at the visual world you take for granted, the messaging that inhabits said world, and the means by which that reality is delivered to you throughout your day. You can read Nick's statement below.
"The piece is entitled We/Us=USA. It highlights the un-united state of politics as well the diversity in beliefs now held by citizens and leaders. The statement "Nothing We Can't Fix" summarizes America's inflated ego as well it's perceived equity. This is visually reinforced through an authoritarian aesthetic and iconic appeal. The statement can be read as well as a romantic motivator, stating that "it's going to take us... both you and I". Having a state-sponcered look provides accountability towards both a longer public life and a greater probability in social interaction. The prints were created to visually mesh with our environment through utilizing the public's understanding of patriotism and public messages. The "multi-partician" message provides an ease in adaptability allowing any person or group the opportunity to express their own thoughts. Showing the individually hand altered works is an act of provocation... to encourage the public to agree or dissent. My hope is not to bring about a fight or to offend but to increase communication and bring about understanding."
No comments:
Post a Comment