Reflecting on Showcase of "America, You've Got Texts" for "America 250" Exhibition at the Manville Municipal Complex
Yesterday, I deinstalled my latest mixed media artwork, “America, You’ve Got Texts”, at the Manville Municipal Complex (aka Borough Hall) in Manville, NJ. The piece was on view at the Manville Artist Showcase in the lobby—run by the Manville Arts Council (MAC)—for the past two and a half months.
This display is for the MAC’s “America 250” exhibition, and my work, which in part reimagines the “Liberty Head” series by German-American artist Peter Max, was likewise intended to commemorate the United States’ special anniversary. The Statue of Liberty acts as an active voice in modern culture when, using the format of text messages from Lady Liberty, a direct and personal conversation is facilitated with viewers. Rendered in vibrant pop art colors, she emerges not as a static monument, but as a living symbol of freedom, opportunity, hope and unity. Her messages serve as both a celebration of the nation’s upcoming milestone and a reminder of the ideals upon which it was founded. Surrounded by patriotic imagery, including fireworks, stars and an American flag, contemporary communication blends with historical symbolism to convey that the values represented by Lady Liberty remain relevant in this generation. “America, You’ve Got Texts” invites viewers to reflect on our shared responsibility to uphold freedom, embrace diversity, and work together toward a stronger future.
I would like to thank Sharon Onderko, wife of Manville Mayor Richard M. Onderko and Media and Technology Director of the MAC, as well as the other members of the MAC, for facilitating this great opportunity to share my piece with the Manville community as we observed the momentous occasion of America’s semiquincentennial. I additionally appreciated the MAC’s thoughtful Facebook post promoting the display of the work at Borough Hall. I look forward to potentially showing this piece at additional local venues in the coming months. 🖼️🎊🇺🇸
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