Allegiance is a limited-edition photographic artist book celebrating the American Flag—a living symbol of freedom, opportunity, and equality. Unfortunately, it has also become 
an logo co-opted by one political party. Once revered, the Flag is now shamelessly shilled by a personality cult. As we contemplate the state of America 250 years after its founding, it is time to re-claim the flag as a proud symbol for ALL Americans. Consider this book a travelogue exploring the state of our Flag.

Allegiance features four independent accordion “chapters,” each unfurling to reveal photographs of the stars and stripes displayed in both reverent and irreverent ways. From patriotic to fervent ideological visual proclamations, these images create a “Postcards from America” road trip, with locations spanning from Detroit to Portland, the Ozarks to the Mojave Desert, and many points in between. The photographs, collected over the past 18 years document our social and political culture in four broad themes, Home (displays of pride at home), Bigger (mammoth displays), Resistance (uses of the Flag in protests) and Dandy (as in Yankee Doodle).

On the back of each photo is a postcard, seemingly ready to tear out and mail to friends and family. The left-side text of the postcards contains one of four narratives: The History of the American Flag, Proper Flag Display Guidelines, and the stories behind the Star-Spangled Banner and the Pledge of Allegiance.

A stitched booklet serves as a travel journal, tying the whole project together with the stories behind the photos. It includes personal reminiscences, vexillological research, rituals, myths and lore, and unwavering sentimentality.

Allegiance was originally intended to be politically agnostic, focusing on symbology rather than ideology. The goal was to encourage viewers to interpret the images through their own red- or blue- colored lens, hopefully spurring thought-provoking discussions. But, in today’s fervent political climate, it seems we all need a reminder to celebrate the flag—and perhaps each other—with respect, reverence, and pride.

Edition Specifications: Case-style cover. Interior contains four accordion booklets attached to right inside cover, plus a 16-page pamphlet-stitched booklet on left cover. 30 original photographs by the artist. Archival digital prints. Paper: Interior booklets on Mohawk Superfine, Booklet cover, Canson Mi Tientes. Closed size: 6.375 x 17 x 0.5 inches. Accordions open to 49 inches wide. Number of pages: each of four accordions has seven pages, printed two sides. Booklet has 12 pages plus cover. Limited edition of 7 copies. Signed and numbered.

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Allegiance: Postcards from America
Limited Edition Artist Book by Laura Russell
$675

To purchase, contact Erin at 23 Sandy.