Happy (almost) birthday, America! We hope you're celebrating this festive occasion with no shortage of beverages, fireworks, BBQ and outdoor activities. But if you are in need of a brief party reprieve -- of the artistic variety -- we've got you covered.
In honor of Independence Day, we at HuffPost Arts & Culture are exploring all the many artistic interpretations of the grand ol' flag. From the thought-provoking work of Barbara Kruger to the unabashedly crafty wit of Olek, these artists have taken America's iconic bit of design to new heights. Behold, the many ways artists have interpreted the stars and stripes.
An encaustic Stars and Stripes painting entitled "Flag," made between 1960 and 1966 by U.S. artist Jasper Johns. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
"Deconstructed Flag #2 (Out of Order)" by Brian Kenny
"The Knitting Machine" by Dave Cole
"Black Light Series #10: Flag For the Moon: Die N*****" by Faith Ringgold
1967/69, Oil on canvas, 36 x 50 inches. Image from ACA Galleries.
"Who is bought and sold? Who is beyond the law? Who is free to choose? Who follows orders? Who salutes longest? Who prays loudest? Who dies first? Who laughs last?"Barbara Kruger
barbara kruger - look for the moment when pride becomes contempt by beatrizruco on Pictify
Image via PA
"American Flag (Jasper Johns Tribute)" by Olek
Image courtesy of Jonathan Levine Gallery
"Flags" by Claes Oldenburg
"Untitled" by Keith Haring
(Public Art Fund/Tumblr)
This piece was part of a 2008 exhibit called "A Declaration of Immigration" which featured the works of over 70 artists depicting the experiences and viewpoints of U.S. immigrant communities. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
"Untitled (the Pequod)" by Robert Longo
Artist Robert Longo speaks in front of his artwork at the Petzel Gallery on May 10, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for New York Magazine)
"Untitled (Flag)" by Jean-Michel Basquiat
(Photo by adam reich / Alexis Adler archives)
"African American Flag" by David Hammons
(Wikipedia)
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.