Faces of Expression

Artist Statement

The Faces of Expression

Kaitlynn

My art piece has six different faces with six different expression. Above the faces is a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. which says “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” A fine point sharpie was used to add color to select parts of the faces and the quote. The colors in the eyes represent the colors of freedom. Blue most often represents freedom and peace. Green could symbolize earth and fertility. Red represents courage and blood. Yellow represents sun and wealth. White represents revolution and allegiance.

I chose this subject because I think that freedom of expression is really important everywhere around the world. If we didn’t have this freedom, then people who didn’t feel equal in America couldn’t stand up for what they think is right. When Colin Kaepernick kneeled for the pledge instead of standing, he started a protest because he knew so many stories about police brutality. Kaepernick had read about the Alton Sterling killing, which happened in his hometown where some of his family still lived. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Colin Kaepernick said.

What inspired me to make this piece was how Colin Kaepernick stood for what he thought was right. I think it is important to know that Kaepernick ended up kneeling for the flag instead of standing because of Nate Boyer, an ex-green beret. Boyer took time to meet Kaepernick and talk to him about how he should at least kneel for the flag out of respect. These two sides meeting and talking about their issues is something everyone needs to do more. I think a possible solution for this issue would be to treat everyone equally no matter what, and to try and see someone else’s perspective.

What I’m trying to say with my piece is that people should be able to express themselves as long as no one is getting hurt. They should be able to address issues that they think are important. My message in this piece is no matter how famous people are, they should be able to express themselves freely.