911

911, Acrylic on canvas 119 x 139 2001

“Patriotism and solidarity is heightened when tragedy occurs.”–G

Giovanni engages in a historical painting at the moment of a nation’s great suffering. The colors he uses are bold, brash, and American – suggesting a way of hope. He depicts the famous picture of firefighters raising the American flag. In the background, MLK’s face appears. The word ‘Anthrax’ points out an America forever changed. A land now in which secret attacks happen and the populace lives in terror. The towers may be seen in the background. The tower on the right, with smoke rising from it, is in the act of falling. And yet on the left, the liberty statue stands tall, representing a sign of hope and redeeming our freedom.