The inspiration for this project originated from my childhood memories of singing the national anthem in school. While singing, everyone’s head turn up to gaze respectfully at the flag. The universality of this pose struck me. Whenever a flag is raised, no matter what country, people stand in this reverent pose.I am an artist, and I, just like any artist in this world, have had to face the common challenge of expressing my ideas.
When I stand in this pose, I represent the physical manifestation of allegiance to a figurativenation of artists, a nation of oneness. This global “nation” to which I pledge allegiance transcends the barriers of language, culture, and even history. This “nation” symbolizes the universal artists’ struggle and frustration to express one’s ideas. As I see it, the role of an artist is to be the voice of his or her society. And, an artist’s work is inevitably, in some shape or form, a reflection of the society from which he or she comes.Without forgetting the value in diverse backgrounds and histories, it is possible to recognize and celebrate our oneness of spirit. Self-expression is the common element; regardless of an artist’s origin there exists a global connection, an unspoken bond, and that is what this pose represents to me. Even if we can’t communicate in one language, we are able to communicate in the oneness of the language of art.
I started taking pictures of myself standing in this pose in different locations to represent my allegiance to this powerful artistic oneness. After posting these pictures on social media, I was surprised by the magnitude of responses. There was an overwhelming amount of global interest. Artists from all over the world started sending me photos of themselves standing in this pose. These responses inspired me to expand this project; it is entitled “You Are Here”.
If you are an artist or in the art world and you wish to stand with me in oneness, send your pictures of allegiance to my “You are Here” Facebook page. Please include your location and your connection to art along with a vertical photo.