Victoria Dugger’s Exhibition “Freak Flags” Explores Identity and Politics Through Art
Victoria Dugger’s encounter with Jasper Johns’ iconic painting “Flag” at the Museum of Modern Art in 2024 sparked a series of reflections on motifs, materials, and meanings that led her to create a thought-provoking body of work. Inspired by Johns’ multivalent approach, Dugger delved into themes of Blackness, disability, and desire in her latest exhibition, “Freak Flags.”
On display at Sargent’s Daughters, “Freak Flags” reimagines the United States flag using a variety of unconventional materials such as gingham, glitter, beads, fringe, and more. The title of the exhibition alludes to the legacy of freak shows, where individuals with disabilities and diseases were often exploited for entertainment. However, in Dugger’s mixed-media works, the spectacle takes on a different form, with stars replaced by glittery tasseled pasties and edges adorned with brightly dyed locks of hair.
Incorporating miniature picket fences and barbed wire into her compositions, Dugger symbolically addresses themes of safety, suburbanization, domination, and discrimination in American history. The juxtaposition of these elements with delicate gouache flowers, butterflies, and piping creates a complex narrative that reflects the intricate layers of American identity and policy.
Some of Dugger’s flags are presented upright with the rectangular patch in the top left corner, while others are deliberately flipped upside down—a symbol traditionally used to signify a nation in distress. This visual language invites viewers to engage with the fraught history and ideals that continue to shape American society.
Experience “Freak Flags” at Sargent’s Daughters until February 28th and follow Victoria Dugger’s work on Instagram for more updates on her thought-provoking creations. Through her unique artistic vision, Dugger challenges viewers to confront the complexities of identity, politics, and history in a visually captivating and thought-provoking manner.
