Exhibiting member Gabe Morton-Cook shares new work alongside local and regional artists exploring the promise and problems of America through memory, protest, hope, and critique. These works examine the identity of a country that has always been both bold and broken, tracing the tension between American ideals and lived realities.

Together, this collection opens space to rethink the story of America and imagine what comes next.

First Friday will feature live performances, readings, and the debut of [context], a zine about community as resistance.

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When I discovered that my show would be opening on the 4th of July, I spent some time thinking about whether to acknowledge the occasion or ignore it. I thought about independence and revolution. I thought about why we celebrate, and what it means to look back at anniversaries. It was too big to ignore.

The contrast is turned way up. There is a palpable tension between neighbors and loved ones. We fly our flags, but don’t talk about them. We see their flags, but don’t understand them. We are isolated and separated, stuck in a never-ending loop of us vs them.

This show is an exploration of this tension and a general protest against current ways of thinking. While elements of this show make references to certain political figures, it is my hope that all such references will be taken in the context of the show as a whole. I believe that our politics are a reflection of our culture. While the situation we find ourselves in is an abomination, it is not an aberration.

To the artists who answered my call:
It’s brave to submit a piece of political art to a show not knowing who may be showing near you or how your message may appear in a different context. You’ve added depth and critical perspective to the conversation.

Thanks for trusting me with your vision, I hope it has come through in the presentation.

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