Home Exhibition Virtual TourFaith Ringgold, "Declaration of Freedom and Independence"

Faith Ringgold, "Declaration of Freedom and Independence"

Transcript of this podcast

The Declaration of Freedom and Independence by artist Faith Ringgold series is by far the largest piece in the Driskell Center’s exhibition: 18 prints compose this large folio. For the first time, the prints are individually on display, emphasizing the importance of each individual work. Originally the work was created as an acrylic on paper painting by the artist, but soon enough, eventually transformed into a print by the collaboration of masterprinter Curlee Raven Holton.

Ringgold here interrogates one of the most well-remembered phrases in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” and challenges the statement. EQUALITY is not what is transparent in History, but the Equal Status solely applies to as she states : “white men, not black men, or white women–to say nothing of black women.” In the work the artist presents political stands, boldly juxtaposing representations of the reality- fight for social and racial rights, native genocides, anti-capitalism narratives to gender equality.

By pairing contradictory images, Ringgold calls for an America where freedom and equality are undeniable realities for all. The conversation between (printed) words and actions is core: the artist focuses her political statement on the dichotomy of actions, not matching the laws and statements- a fight that remains a struggle today.