California based artist R. Nelson Parrish addresses the complexity of current events with his newly released
collection entitled 21 Flags.
“21 Flags is an investigation into American identity. It is a collection of paintings addressing the question, what
is America, what is an American, and, how do we define America?” Parrish explains.
Using Jasper John’s 1954 Flag as a referential launch pad, 21 Flags implements abstract mark making as
vehicle to discuss identity in America. The title of the series is significantly deliberate. “The number twenty-one
is often symbolic of change; a change; the change, and the inherent epistemic shift that comes with change.”
Parrish says, “We are currently going through a change in our country right now. With all the cacophony of
current events permenately etched into our consciousness and history, we will never be able to revert to the
‘good old days’, if the good old days ever existed at all”.
“21 Flags is representative of that change; the who and the what got us here, the who we are today, and hopefully
the inspiration to carry that defining spirit into the future.” The archival paper, beautiful, yet incredibly fine and
easily damaged, is also a conscious choice. “The paper is referential to the seemingly robust, yet delicate nature
of our democracy,” says Parish, “one twist the wrong way and the whole thing tears apart.”
Completed in June 2017, the timing of the 21 Flags collection release is no accident. “Politically and socially, we
are in the middle of an epistemic shift in our history,” Parish says, “Everyone is so pissed off and divisive right
now. 21 Flags is positioned smack dab in the middle of the question of where we are currently as a nation. With
every party and faction demonizing each other, no one is even willing to sit down at the table, have a reasonable
conversation and move forward. We are not moving forward. Nothing is getting done, and there is plenty of
work to get done.”
With the intent to spark reflection, rationality and civil conversation, each flag in the series are entitled with
an archetypal name. Purposefully ambiguous, the names are designed to reference a multiplicity of historical,
fictional and contemporary American figures, along with the people we see on a day to day. The titles, colors
and compositions are designed to spur the viewer to choose and champion an individual painting, with the
understanding that each one is interconnected and dependent on the others. “While each painting can stand
alone,” explains Parish, “the real strength is when they are all connected to greater whole.”
Each painting is composed in a reflective nature; as if actual flags themselves existed on the other side of a
mirror, with their stars on the right instead of on the left. “They are the reflections of the American spirit,” says
Parish, “I want the viewer to use the paintings to look inward and reflect on what being an American means to
them. Ideally, these works promote more introspection and less selfie taking.”
“America’s number greatest strength is when we band together, united. When we look past our differences, find
our commonalities, and work together. 21 Flags is reflective of that spirit. Yes, we Americans are extremely
individualistic, as we all come from different colors and various stripes. That is part of the DNA composition of an
American. Each painting reflects our individuality and can be appreciated for their unique elegance and grit. But
when one steps back and to see them connected and working together, that is where the real beauty is found.”
Full portfolio can be viewed at www.21flags.com. Bio can be viewed at www.21flags.com/bio. Images available
upon request. The critical essay for 21 Flags was penned by LA-based art critic Molly Enholm. The full essay
can be read here: https://www.21flags.com/essay/
21 Flags will be available for viewing at 5428 W. Washington Blvd in Los Angeles on November 18th, from
12 noon – 8 PM.
