Make Nice

by Stephen Gentry

15" x 20" • Digitally manipulated charcoal drawing screen printed with acrylic $200

I created this piece during the 2004 elections. It was meant as a political statement concerning American policy in Iraq. My question, posed to the audience, relates to whether or not peace can be obtained at the point of a gun. Maybe it can, but it is more likely that you create superficial obedience that fosters resentments just under the surface. This piece is gorilla in nature considering where I am located. Everywhere I look I encounter blind acceptance of the Republican Party line. Disagreeing with Bush is predominately considered unpatriotic in this part of the country. The Uncle Sam pose and the American flag pin are presented as a symbol of this co-opting of patriotism.