Art > In America: How could this happen…
2020
In America: How could this happen…
2020
In America: How could this happen…
A Public Art Installation Honoring Loved Ones Lost to COVID-19
In Fall, 2020, we created a national space for mourning outside RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. Beginning in late October, we covered this four-acre site in white flags, each one honoring an American who had died of COVID-19. Each day, I updated the signature sign to reflect the increasing death toll.
267,080
In the central space, with the help of Ruppert Landscaping, we planted the flags in an array to echo Arlington Cemetery. By the end of the exhibition, the number of flags — 267,080 — approximated the number of headstones in this reverent national landmark. There, we honor those who have kept us safe; here we honored those whom we did not, could not, protect.
267,080
In the central space, with the help of Ruppert Landscaping, we planted the flags in an array to echo Arlington Cemetery. By the end of the exhibition, the number of flags — 267,080 — approximated the number of headstones in this reverent national landmark. There, we honor those who have kept us safe; here we honored those whom we did not, could not, protect.
After 165,000 flags were planted in the central array, the public was invited to help plant the balance of flags in sections under the trees. We ran out of space in this massive field as the death toll steadily climbed and so the art flowed into adjacent green spaces and street medians. The art reflected how the pandemic was overtaking us as the first, dark pandemic winter approached.
During the installation, visitors were invited to personalize flags for loved ones lost to COVID-19.
By the end of the exhibit 1,905 flags were dedicated with names, dates, and special messages. A selection of personalized flags has been acquired by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
The installation ended on November 30, 2021.
During the installation, visitors were invited to personalize flags for loved ones lost to COVID-19.
By the end of the exhibit 1,905 flags were dedicated with names, dates, and special messages. A selection of personalized flags has been acquired by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
The installation ended on November 30, 2021.
In 2021, the exhibition expanded.
A second iteration of In America opened at the National Mall in September of 2021.