Sometimes, collage is wonderful for its delicate richness, or for looking quite lavish though created from humble scraps.
Sometimes, collage is wonderful for not rising above the materials.
I like this piece for that reason exactly. It is made of paper and cardboard scraps, cut or torn or simply found, sometimes separated in layers to reveal a rough surface. Paint, scraped across the surface with a bit of stiff paper, grabs onto the textures and edges. It’s a tough surface: it seems to have taken a bit of rough treatment, and is ready for more.
Resilient.
Tough and strong, like the spirit of the people of our country…