Silvana Soriano Brazilian, b. 1961
We (are) the People, 2020
Mixed Media on Canvas: Alpaca Wool, Canvas, Acrylic Paint and Permanent Markers
101.6 x 152.4 cm
All rights retained by artist courtesy The Contemporary Art Modern Project
As an immigrant, the preamble to the constitution “We the People” has always made me think - which people, pale face? Indeed, even today, we are not all included—neither Black...
As an immigrant, the preamble to the constitution “We the People” has always made me think - which people, pale face?
Indeed, even today, we are not all included—neither Black folks, nor women, nor immigrants, nor indigenous peoples.
So it’s up to us to remember, “We ARE the people.” Conquer this place through the vote and our voice, this is the intention of this work.
I portrayed women, together, creating a protest flag, alluding to the textile tradition so present among women. To create the work, I used only old clothes that I had in my closet. Clothes that no longer fit me, but that I also hadn’t thrown out or donated. I realized that the feeling behind it was a resistance to accepting that age changes the body. So using these pieces of fabric, cutting, sewing, and embroidering was a process of healing and transformation. I dressed these women with my memories.
Indeed, even today, we are not all included—neither Black folks, nor women, nor immigrants, nor indigenous peoples.
So it’s up to us to remember, “We ARE the people.” Conquer this place through the vote and our voice, this is the intention of this work.
I portrayed women, together, creating a protest flag, alluding to the textile tradition so present among women. To create the work, I used only old clothes that I had in my closet. Clothes that no longer fit me, but that I also hadn’t thrown out or donated. I realized that the feeling behind it was a resistance to accepting that age changes the body. So using these pieces of fabric, cutting, sewing, and embroidering was a process of healing and transformation. I dressed these women with my memories.