"In America: Remember"
In America: Remember, as explained by the artist
In America: Remember is an art installation that visually reflects the enormity of our nation’s loss, honoring each individual who has died because of COVID-19. It was the largest, public participatory art installation on the National Mall since the exhibition of the AIDS Quilt. This September, Artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg and volunteers planted over 690,000 white flags on 20 acres near the Washington Monument. The art created the opportunity for our nation to reflect and consider the value of each American life. Learn more about the national exhibit by clicking on the QR code.
This exhibit represents the individuals who died of COVID-19 in San Mateo County.
Why white flags?
Flags move beautifully in the breeze and produce a gentle rippling sound. White flags, planted in an array, are evocative of Arlington Cemetery, where we bury those who have protected us throughout the years. These white flags represent those we have not protected.
Visitors are encouraged to look at one flag, imagine the concentric rings of grief that are represented in the loss of that one person, and then raise their gaze to take in the immensity of emotion the art reflects.
Photo Credit: Suzanne Firstenberg
What inspired the exhibition?
The first In America exhibit was the artist’s attempt to make visible the extent of this American tragedy. When the death count became incomprehensibly large, Firstenberg became determined to use visual art to define the reality of our collective loss. She also wanted to create a space of national mourning, providing people a place to acknowledge the loved ones whom they had lost to COVID-19.
This fall as employers bring workers back to office buildings and students return to school, it will be too easy to “go back to normal”. But for one in three American families, there is no normal. This exhibit honors all who have died, but it is more than an act of remembrance. In America: Remember, will provide an historic visual reminding us for years to come that being an American means caring for all Americans. We cannot let this ever happen again. Our strength comes from the degree to which we stand side-by-side in the face of the challenges that lie ahead.
