The Pledge of Allegiance

Genavieve Heywood, a Fine Art Photographer and Paster of The Veradale United Church of Christ in Spokane, Washington, embarked on her latest art theme as an assignment with the NPPE Mentor Program. Her unique approach to thematic projects led to a powerful collection of monochromatic images that delve into the pledge of allegiance and its relevance in today’s polarized political climate.

“The Pledge” exhibit is a series of exceptional images that combine perfectly timed street photography with insightful landscape observations of how and why we display the American Flag. Each image matches a verse of the Pledge and portrays unique expressions of how Americans see our flag. 

This is Activist Art at its finest, a work designed to stir positive communication and an exchange of ideas.

Childhood Memories

Heywood says in her artist’s statement, “My father, an Air Force veteran, set a pole in front of our Maine house for our family’s flag. We raised the flag in the morning and lowered it before dark. He taught us that we must never let the flag touch the ground and we must be respectful.”

Over time, she notes that flag respect has changed. “Today, our flag is left out all day, all night unlit, and in all kinds of weather. The image of our flag is on underwear, socks, shower curtains, tents, knives, hammocks, and more. Here in the Pacific Northwest, people have our US flag on poles in front of their homes or tacked on to the rain gutters in an ad hoc manner in front of their houses. They seem to be signaling something about their form of nationalism. It feels so different from my childhood days of dashing out of the house or the classroom to bring the flag in from the rain.”

Gonzaga University Joins In

After excelling in the thematic curriculum, Heywood presented the idea to Professor Hoover at Gonzaga University. Professor Hoover, the Chair of Organizational Leadership at the School of Leadership Studies, was instrumental in creating an interactive gallery exhibit within the Gonzaga and Spokane Art community. She designed a unique questionnaire that encouraged students and viewers to interpret each image, sparking a deeper exploration of the project. The University then reached out to Heywood and offered to produce the exhibit that now graces the University’s Urban Art Center in Spokane.

Monochromatic Photographs

Gen chose a traditional black-and-white process for visual communication purposes. She explains: “Making these images in monochrome allows the image of our flag to demonstrate the necessity of the gray areas to understand the full image. The political environment, locally and nationally, could benefit from this metaphoric understanding. To see the whole picture of who we are as a nation, the places where the absolutes blend — the gray areas – must be embraced.”

Selected Review Images

For review, I selected 4 of the 12 images to explore several flag metaphors.

I Pledge Allegiance — This is the first image from the exhibit. It presents a stirring monochrome portrayal that invites viewers to contemplate the layers within American identity. The image captures a worn, vintage truck adorned with letters spelling “LOVE,” juxtaposed against a tattered flag flying above. The choice of black and white leaves behind a spectrum of grays that suggest ambiguity in the flag’s meaning and the varied emotions it stirs in the American psyche. The somber tones and weathered elements—both truck and flag—convey resilience and nostalgia while also hinting at the quiet dignity of rural America.


Of the United States — In this striking image, the viewer is immersed in a scene brimming with American iconography. Centered on a motorcyclist riding towards large, billowing American flags outside a Harley-Davidson dealership, the image captures the spirit of a distinctly American subculture. The monochrome palette emphasizes timelessness, and the flags, standing prominently along the road, appear almost as guiding symbols. The motorcyclist, helmeted and anonymous, with a “Johnny Cash” Quote on her jacket back, “Jesus and Jail,” embodies the journey and independence associated with American ideals.
 

And to the Republic — The folded T-shirts are adorned with the American flag and the inscription, “United States of America, est. 1776.” Rendered in black and white, this composition distills the flag down to its most commercialized form, displayed in masse and devoid of individual identity. The monochromatic tones emphasize the stark repetition and uniformity of the design, perhaps hinting at the commodification of patriotism within consumer culture. The flag’s lack of color removes the emotional resonance often associated with its red, white, and blue colors. Like others in the series, it asks the viewer to reflect on how symbols intended to unify may, over time, become part of the everyday consumer landscape rather than a marker of shared purpose and history.

Under God – In this image, the viewer encounters a large American flag waving beside a sign for “Tacoma Screw.”  The proud emblem of national unity stands side by side with a corporate logo, a combination that subtly critiques the intertwining of American identity with commercial enterprises. At the same time, the bold sign below it feels grounded and utilitarian, anchored by the digital clock reading “3:16.” The inclusion of time adds a temporal dimension and suggests a popular Bible verse, John 3:16. Through this image, Heywood explores the intersections between nationalism and the marketplace.  

End Points

The Pledge of Allegiance exhibit has sparked a remarkable dialogue within the Greater Spokane area (see: https://bit.ly/48u4E0W) and beyond, resonating deeply with audiences and critics alike. Genavieve Heywood’s work has drawn significant acclaim, earning coverage across diverse media and publications. Her thought-provoking images don’t just capture moments; they capture sentiments, raising essential questions about patriotism, community, and personal history.

This exhibit, hosted at Gonzaga University’s Urban Art Center, invites viewers into an intimate exploration of the American flag’s presence and its evolving significance. Each image holds a mirror to how we, as individuals and as a nation, engage with our symbols and what they represent in today’s complex cultural landscape. I encourage you to experience this exhibition in person, if possible, or explore the collection online to witness the power of Heywood’s work firsthand.

All of us at the NPPE Mentor Program are immensely proud of Gen’s dedication and artistic insight. Her ability to weave her background in community and faith leadership and the arts into such a compelling body of work exemplifies the spirit of our program. Her success is a testament to what can be achieved when art challenges, provokes and inspires.

Gen Heywood’s exhibit “The Pledge of Allegiance” runs through Nov. 30; open Fri 4-7 pm and Sat 10 am-3 pm • Free • Gonzaga University Urban Arts Center • 125 S. Stevens St.

https://www.gonzaga.edu/gonzaga-university…/exhibitions
 
 

 

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