Description
This original relief print is small in size (3″ x 4″), but mighty in message. It comes to you in an 8″ x 10″ black wooden frame with white mat. The work is part of Hope McMath’s #100DaysofHope2018 series, that involves Hope creating a work of art everyday, reflecting on the historic moments, political events, and personal reflections that dominated the final months of 2018 and early 2019.
“It matters that they were wearing MAGA hats. Red caps stitched with the words ‘Make America Great Again’ have become symbols of racism and division, because for too many, especially people of color, America has yet to be great, to reach its full potential where all are truly equal. Are we to wax nostalgic about the America born through slavery or the genocide of Indigenous people? It matters that KKK flyers were, again, distributed on front porches throughout my city and communities throughout the South on MLK Day. It matters that confederates loom over our public squares. It matters, because symbols matter. They are held up as visual snapshots of peoples’ beliefs and values. Symbolic objects and acts often represent something in our subconscious. Symbols typically have cultural significance and the capacity to excite or objectify a response.
Yes, those MAGA hats matter, if they didn’t people wouldn’t wear them. And if people have put a different meaning behind the hood…I mean hat…it should matter that so many find them hurtful, offensive, and oppressive. MAGA hats matter…because they matter.“
About the Series
“I will give myself time and creative space each and everyday to reflect on the issues that matter to me most as I look for hope. And this isn’t a blind hope of unfettered optimism, but a hope that is based in truth, understanding, love, equity, and the actions that will bring a brighter future,” says Hope McMath. “Who knows what each day will bring (which reflects the general climate we find ourselves in)…images, words, my thoughts, beauty, anger, fear, and the wisdom of others. They will all be in my favorite medium of relief printmaking and will be more about process than product. I love carving and printing, but don’t give enough time to it. My HOPE is to find joy and meaning in the challenge of making a print everyday and to find some sanity in this season of chaos. I also HOPE that by posting them I will spin some thoughts and motivation into the world, and maybe spark some dialogue and action.”
Each work is printed in a limited edition of 10. The first of each edition of 100 works can be seen at Yellow House.
