Angela on Art

No Kings

My small apartment is filled with art that I have collected over the years, and each piece has a story. Mostly they are by artist friends, family, and colleagues, who gifted them or gave me a smoking deal. I also like to find interesting art when I travel.  

In the last month I purchased (full asking price) art from a local artist, Graham Francoise.  I follow his Morning Coffee Painting series, a time lapsed video of him painting in watercolor. I highly recommend following him, it’s so cool to see the process! On June 13, as I was deciding what to write on my No Kings protest sign, I watched his video of that day. His painting enfolded as an image of diverse people holding a huge NO KINGS banner. (you can see this and his other pieces on instagram, @grahambunctious)

I was filled with emotions of pride in my fellow citizens who are standing up for justice, and anxiety for what we are fighting against.

I didn’t think twice before purchasing it, which is unlike me, but I wanted to commemorate the moment for myself. It’s the most overtly political (or as I like to say “survivalist”) art I have.

Actually, I framed another political piece in the last month too. 

My small home now has two emboldening artworks on display to remind me of the efforts of so many people who care about peace, love and justice.        I want to look for the helpers, as Mr Rogers would say. 

It’s a Barbara Kruger reproduction of a piece proclaiming YOUR BODY IS A BATTLEGROUND in bold, red type over the image of a woman’s face in black and white. It was painted for the Women’s March in DC in 1989 in support of reproductive freedom. I saw the huge original at The Broad museum in LA and purchased a t-shirt with the image on it. It was a bit small so I cut out the image and framed it. I love it!