Jasper Johns
America has always been considered as something of a contradiction. With eyes now already towards the midterms and the machine of campaign cycles undaunted by all sorts of bureau investigations, it seems fitting to celebrate on this occasion.
American Democracy has evolved into a terrible beauty, a Kafkaesque sublime, a gateway intended for us but closed by our own volition. Tocqueville says “I do not contest the right of the majority rule. I simply appeal from the sovereignty of the people to the sovereignty of humanity.” I say this of course as an American citizen, however disappointed or embarrassed, and albeit socially and geographically ex-patriated, morally and spiritually exiled.
William Klein
Cindy Sherman
Gordon Parks
Edward Hopper
Basquiat
While the nation is becoming one of spreading fear, building walls, killing health care, banning travel and abolishing the National Endowment for the Arts, we might salute some of the other Americans, Jasper Johns, Basquiat, Edward Hopper, Gordon Parks, Cindy Sherman, William Klein, and so many others.
Happy Independence Day.