03/28/2025
Yesterday, I discovered this cool piece of art that is on display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery. I was looking forward to posting a non-political, purely "Friday Art Love" post and then, literally overnight, it became political.
Trump is now targeting "improper ideology" and "anti-American ideology" at the Smithsonian. This is not ok! This is art, man. It's supposed to make you think. And look beyond your own biases. And consider others. And guess what, you don't even have to love it or agree with it. But it sparks thought and dialogue and might just open your world view a crack.
So, enjoy this interesting piece and it's history. I think it aptly describes where the US is at right now at this point in time, and does so in a very clever, striking way.
Happy Friday Art Love day. Enjoy it (and learn something about a different culture and the meaning of the word Pa'lante) before it potentially gets erased from one of the most prestigious art institutions in the world. ❤️🩹
https://americanart.si.edu/artwork/pa-lan-te-116833
(Thank you to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for signing her email "Pa'lante" which prompted this deep dive into the meaning of the word and the discovery of this cool art.)
Two cherry-red Schwinn bicycles, decked out with horns and American and Puerto Rican flags, are joined to form one three-wheeled, double-headed creature.