Art > In America: Remember.
2021
In America: Remember.
2021
In America:
Remember.
Honoring individuals who have died from COVID-19
After the incredible response to In America: How could this happen..., I worked with the National Park Service to bring the exhibition to the National Mall. I named it In America: Remember because vaccines were getting into arms and we thought the pandemic would be over by its exhibition in September. That was not what happened.
Beginning on September 17, 2021, with 666,624 flags, I ceremoniously added flags each day to reflect the continually mounting toll. Sadly, I had to add on average 2,000 more white flags each day. It was hard to keep up with the planting, even with the help of visitors. This was the largest public, participatory art exhibition on the National Mall since the presentation of the AIDS Quilt. It was be the first ever concurrently mirrored in the digital sphere.
Visitors were invited to dedicate flags for loved ones lost to COVID-19, either in-person or via InAmericaFlags.org. This ensured that people across the country had the ability to dedicate flags to honor their own losses.
Visitors were invited to dedicate flags for loved ones lost to COVID-19, either in-person or via InAmericaFlags.org. This ensured that people across the country had the ability to dedicate flags to honor their own losses.
THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY
not even for a moment do things stand still
The image of 701,000 white flags blanketing 20 acres of the National Mall will companion news stories of the pandemic throughout history. For the 1.2 million visitors who visited the exhibition and the 20,000 people who dedicated flags to loved ones lost, the image does not capture the emotion, the immenseness, the overwhelming experience of walking amongst those flags: Their deafening sound snapping in a strong breeze. Their gentle good-bye waving on calmer days. The distant, glistening sight as of snow on the Mall. The sight of strangers crying. Strangers offering each other consoling hugs. This was the reality unseen in that image.
To honor the experience, we commissioned a documentary short by award-winning director Jamie Meltzer and Annie Marrs. The film, not even for a moment do things stand still, transports you into that sea of white, watching as various families and friends dedicate flags for their loved ones who died. No talking heads. No voice-overs. Just a moment in others’ lives.
THE AWARD-WINNING DOCUMENTARY
not even for a moment do things stand still
The image of 701,000 white flags blanketing 20 acres of the National Mall will companion news stories of the pandemic throughout history. For the 1.2 million visitors who visited the exhibition and the 20,000 people who dedicated flags to loved ones lost, the image does not capture the emotion, the immenseness, the overwhelming experience of walking amongst those flags: Their deafening sound snapping in a strong breeze. Their gentle good-bye waving on calmer days. The distant, glistening sight as of snow on the Mall. The sight of strangers crying. Strangers offering each other consoling hugs. This was the reality unseen in that image.
To honor the experience, we commissioned a documentary short by award-winning director Jamie Meltzer and Annie Marrs. The film, not even for a moment do things stand still, transports you into that sea of white, watching as various families and friends dedicate flags for their loved ones who died. No talking heads. No voice-overs. Just a moment in others’ lives.
Photo Credits: Bruce Guthrie
Photo Credit: Stephen Wilkes
This art was created not only to honor each individual whom we have lost, but also to create a moment of pause, a moment of reflection for our nation.
Courtesy of Stephen Wilkes and National Geographic
This art was created not only to honor each individual whom we have lost, but also to create a moment of pause, a moment of reflection for our nation.
Courtesy of Stephen Wilkes and National Geographic