Caution: Pandemia 2020-2021

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Back in May, I reached for Caution Tape we had in our garage on a whim. I did not know then how encompassing and appropriate the Caution Tape would continue to be for the unique experiences of 2020-21. Like the open nature of the word “Caution”, these pieces cannot be read in any one way; the rules which apply to one drawing do not apply to another. For example, black and white colors on the drawings sometimes refer to race in America, sometimes they do not. These pieces are a combination of Sumi ink drawings, cut paper, and Caution Tape. Many of them are recycled drawings that I started a year ago and had put aside, unable to finish. 

“Essential” honors the essential workers who continue to be on the front lines of these crises. The collaged Caution Tape in yellow spells out “Essential”, but the black letters suggest the word “Casting”/ caste. 

“La Virgen” refers to La Virgen de Guadalupe. “AU” is the chemical symbol for gold. This work investigates the nature of young women, and the intensity of becoming in contemporary America. 

“Crown” uses the 17th century symbol of the French monarchy, now a well-known stylized lily, to explore the dynamic of power. The middle of the symbol, normally a petal, is fashioned after a warhead. 

“Monticello” refers to Thomas Jefferson’s estate, a structure modeled after Greco-Roman styles to reflect his ideas of a democratic republic. Some key shapes of the architecture are part of the costume of the figure who looks left but runs to the right. 

“Beanies and Pussy Hats” is inspired by women involved in the protests in recent years, and what role women play in social and political movements. 

“Capitol Bird (Barbed)” envisions the Capitol building as a rare bird species, whose feathers are barbed like wire. Survival is tenuous.