Liberty and Justice for All - Artifact: Chippendale mirror eagle

Artifact: Chippendale mirror eagle

Our American flag is a symbol of freedom and pride in our country. But, like the carved wooden eagle featured in this collection, its history is complicated and rife with contradiction. This particular flag flies on an island in South Carolina whose story dates back to colonial times. The beautiful salt marshes behind it, aglow from the evening sun, make it all too easy to ignore the glaring reminders of a fraught history, with quarters of enslaved peoples that remain standing amid the vacation homes of those who come here now.

Digital photography on glossy aluminum by Stéphanie Elkort

Size: 16x24

About Stéphanie Elkort
I am a macro and closeup floral photographer, who occasionally explores other themes. I was drawn to this particular exhibit for its important themes of history and America. Lately I have had my flowers printed on aluminum for the effect it gives of brightness and clarity. I have chosen this presentation for this exhibit, though my subject is very different from my usual models!