From Chicago Sun-Times · · 2m
Chicago artist reimagines American flag for election season
Chicago artist Bob Faust creates reimagined American flags to promote shared values during election season.
In brief
Chicago artist Bob Faust creates reimagined American flags to promote shared values during election season. Chicago artist Bob Faust is reimagining the American flag with values like compassion and joy to foster unity ahead of election season. Originally reported by Chicago Sun-Times.
Bob Faust's flag project
Chicago artist Bob Faust reimagines the American flag with values like compassion and joy for election season.
“it’s not me making a new flag or cutting up the american flag because i don’t agree with it”
Project started after 2016 election
Faust began the 'Ways & Means' project after shock and grief from the 2016 election results.
“it was literally born as just like a gut response to trump actually getting in office”
Values for civic life
The project includes values like compassion, joy, humility, strength, love and faith for raising children.
“they are values or morals you think about when raising your kid”
Graphic identity for values
Faust assigned each value a graphic identity like civility in a multicolor perimeter.
“civility, for example, is set within a multicolor perimeter”
First exhibition at Navy Pier
Faust displayed the flags at Navy Pier in September with Chicago Live! Festival.
“in september, faust brought 'ways & means' to navy pier”
Next stops: New York and Illinois
The flags will travel to Madison Square Park in New York and Illinois Governor's Mansion by Oct 22.
“the exhibition is now traveling to madison square park in new york and later in october to the illinois governor’s mansion”
2021 CTA Green Line cars
In 2021, Faust wrapped eight CTA Green Line cars with the project designs post-pandemic.
“four years later, in 2021, faust wrapped eight cta green line cars”
Good Chaos partnership
Faust partnered with Good Chaos studio to revive the project using flags for public events.
“last spring, faust connected with good chaos, a chicago studio and arts incubator”
Public performances
The project includes processional performances with dancers at Obama Presidential Center and other events.
“the first was a bombastic parade at the obama presidential center in june”
8,000 polysilk bandanas
Faust printed 8,000 polysilk bandanas for distribution at events and public spaces.
“faust has also printed 8,000 polysilk bandanas, or 'freedom flags'”
Project continues through wear
People can wear, transform or carry the bandanas to continue the project.
“if you carry a bandana with you, you’re now part of the project”
Project's purpose
The project aims to reclaim the American flag as a symbol of shared values, not political division.
“it’s not me making a new flag or cutting up the american flag because i don’t agree with it”
Why the flag matters now
Faust feels the American flag has been increasingly claimed by the political right.
“i have a visceral reaction now when i see the american flag”
What happens next
The project will continue through public events and bandana distribution until election day.
“the project does live forever”
The headline
Chicago artist Bob Faust is reimagining the American flag with values like compassion and joy to foster unity ahead of election season.
