HINU Art Appreciation Lecture 25: The American Flag

Summary

This lecture explores the evolving significance of the American flag among indigenous peoples, examining its use in art and culture. It delves into historical and contemporary artworks that reinterpret the flag, discussing its symbolism as a powerful agency in Native American art history and its transformation into various forms, from prayer ties to war shields, reflecting complex narratives of identity, resistance, and heritage.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The American flag is used in art by native artists to convey various messages and themes.
• ⚠️ To Damian Deazi, the American flag is a warning sign, often used in their art to critique and highlight social issues.
• 🛠️ Nicholas Galanin uses the flag in his art as a memorial, combining it with other elements to address themes like police violence and climate change.
• 🐻 Galanin often uses animals like bears in his artworks to symbolize broader issues such as climate crisis and indigenous history.
• 📜 Historical and contemporary native artists have used the flag as a medium, transforming it into art objects that hold cultural and political significance.
• 🔄 The meaning of the American flag has evolved over time, particularly in its use by indigenous peoples, shifting from a symbol of power to one of resistance.
• 🪡 Velma Craig uses weaving as a form of continual prayer and addresses contemporary issues like foreclosure through her woven American flags.
• 🦅 Artists like Erica Lord and Marcus Ammerman incorporate the flag into their work to explore themes of power, protection, and cultural identity.
• 🔁 The flag is often indigenized in art by replacing traditional materials and symbols with culturally significant elements like glass beads or tribal patterns.
• 🎥 The script includes references to various artists and their works, encouraging viewers to watch a related video for more insights.

Q & A

What does the American flag symbolize for Damian Deazi in their art?

For Damian Deazi, the American flag is a warning sign, and they often incorporate it into their art, sometimes using real flags as an art medium.

Why is it not illegal to cut up or burn the American flag according to the US flag code?

According to the US flag code section K, it is not illegal to cut up or burn the flag. In fact, destroying the flag is considered a preferable method of retiring it, and transforming it into art is another acceptable way.

What is the significance of the artwork by Nicholas Gandon that features a raven mask and a hand drum?

The artwork by Nicholas Gandon is a memorial dedicated to John T. Williams, a Native artist and wood carver who was shot and killed by a Seattle police officer in 2010. The stick of the hand drum turns into a symbol for police violence.

How does the artwork titled 'The American Dream is a lie' by Gannon use the American flag?

In 'The American Dream is a lie,' Gannon transforms the American flag into a bear rug, with claws made out of bullets and teeth painted in Gold Leaf, symbolizing the end of the world or the climate crisis.

What is the significance of the bear in Sonia Kelluler's artwork that combines polar bear fur with the American flag?

Sonia Kelluler uses the bear in her artwork to draw attention to animals that are critical to the lifeways of Inupiak and Athabaskan peoples. The bear can be seen as an elevated symbol, akin to a nationalist or religious icon, with the flag pattern suggesting it is under the skin or tattooed onto the skin of the polar bear.

What is the purpose of the 'Secret' series by the artist mentioned in the script?

The 'Secret' series consists of 50 small sculptures inspired by walrus tusks. The artist uses these conical forms to represent animals that have been essential for clothing and shelter, and also to symbolize amulets and medicine bundles.

How does the script describe the use of the American flag by indigenous artists as a form of strategic failure?

Strategic failure is when a colonized group copies popular symbols of the dominant culture, making them almost the same but not quite, to fit in, ease racial aggression, appear to assimilate, and stand out to signal their indigeneity.

Why did some indigenous artists choose to indigenize the American flag in their artwork?

Indigenizing the American flag allowed artists to own the symbols, wear them ironically, harness the supernatural power of the flag through sympathetic magic, and serve as a reminder of victories over the US Army, such as the Battle of Little Big Horn.

What is the significance of the inverted flag in Plains Native ceremonies and art?

The inverted flag in Plains Native ceremonies and art may reference Sitting Bull's vision of an upside-down soldier, which foretold Custer's defeat at Little Big Horn. It also symbolizes distress and has been used by the American Indian Movement.

How does the script connect the use of the American flag by indigenous artists to the concept of 'playing Indian'?

The script connects the use of the American flag by indigenous artists to 'playing Indian' by mentioning the Improved Order of Red Men, a secret society of white men who play Indian, and how this practice is a part of US history, dating back to the Boston Tea Party.