Echoes of the State of the Union

“These paintings call the attention of the public and highlight the government's hypocrisy and corruption, and explore the dislocation between our comfortable, complacent lives and the horrific reality of war to which we Americans have become numb.”

~ LAUREN BERGMAN

• FULL ARTIST STATMENT

In 2008 the political fever in America had reached a breaking point. This series of paintings was created with a historical presidential election fast approaching, a Wall St. market meltdown, and the war in Iraq festering in the background. American ideals had been tested and left to harsh questioning.

In 2008 the political fever in America had reached a breaking point. This series of paintings was created with a historical presidential election fast approaching, a Wall St. market meltdown, and the war in Iraq festering in the background. American ideals had been tested and left to harsh questioning.

The works feature soft colors and images that are stylized and defined, reminiscent of American realists Norman Rockwell, John Sloan, and Edward Hopper. By referencing this genre, however, Bergman challenges the American mythology. Choosing a historic context removed from the contemporary cultural climate is meant to underscore the lack of progress or lessons learned from one war to the next.

Here we are once again blindly pledging the flag while young men and women return from Iraq limbless and without adequate healthcare while we contemplate what to watch on TV.  

Lauren Bergman | New York City | 2008

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You Never Ask Questions When God's On Your Side  |  46” x 42” acrylic on canvas

Come You Masters Of War, You That Build The Big Bombs   |  30” x 40” watercolor on paper

Come You Masters Of War, You That Build The Big Bombs  |  30” x 40” watercolor on paper

Don't Count The Dead   |  46” x 42” acrylic on canvas

Don't Count The Dead  |  46” x 42” acrylic on canvas

This is America   |  34” x 38” watercolor and acrylic on paper

This is America  |  34” x 38” watercolor and acrylic on paper

A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall   |  40” x 30” watercolor on paper

A Hard Rain's A Gonna Fall  |  40” x 30” watercolor on paper

Mousetrap   |  28” x 39” watercolor and acrylic on paper  |  SOLD

Mousetrap  |  28” x 39” watercolor and acrylic on paper  |  SOLD

You Never Ask Questions When God's On Your Side   |  46” x 42” acrylic on canvas

You Never Ask Questions When God's On Your Side  |  46” x 42” acrylic on canvas

Quick Comfort   |  44” x 41” acrylic on paper mounted on board

Quick Comfort  |  44” x 41” acrylic on paper mounted on board

This is America   |  34” x 38” watercolor and acrylic on paper

This is America  |  34” x 38” watercolor and acrylic on paper