Fury by Martha Rich
So many lives will be affected by tomorrow's election. At times like these, the work artists do is more important than ever—to inspire activism, to add to the social narrative, and to unify and embolden us. We'll let these editions speak for themselves:
In this image, a banner boldly and proudly proclaims the citizenship of the shop's relocated Japanese American proprietors. These simple words become a deeply felt identification, a powerful protest, and a profound plea all at once. Legendary documentary photographer Dorothea Lange's poignant capture of this moment is stark: the business is dark and quiet below the bold contrast of the sign, doors shuttered because of their own neighbors and country. Â Â
We at 20x200 do not want to go back to the 1940s, or any time in the past, for that matter. May we feel the relief we so deeply want to feel soon—and then, the joy and determination to keep fighting for an America that can recover from the insidious discriminatory ills that have plagued both its past and present.Â
"Birth Control Portrait IÂ was made as a celebratory painting especially for 20x200 in advance of Women's History Month several years ago, before Roe v. Wade had been overturned. Now, with our reproductive freedom, bodily autonomy, women's healthcare and women's lives on the line and the ballot in November, it takes on a greater weight. It is my great hope that our country is able to move in that same direction this November. Check your registration, make sure you know your polling site, and vote, vote, vote."
"Utilizing the title of civil rights legend Fannie Lou Hamer’s speech given at the National Women's Political Caucus in Washington in 1971, this pennant is a reminder of our strength when united. I connected with her call to action for black and white women to work together toward freedom for all:  Â
'The changes we have to have in this country are going to be for liberation of all people—because nobody's free until everybody's free.'"
Originally designed as a postcard in 1909, Mitchell created this illustration as part of her Girls Will Be Girls series, promoting women’s literacy and education. Using her distinct style of heavy linework and rich blocks of color, Dig features a young college student seated surrounded by library stacks absorbed in an Economy book. A sign above encourages her to “do it now”, a nod to Mitchell’s women’s education activism.
"Public Libraries are the last of the Commons. We must protect them by using them and supporting them. If you don't have a library card for your Public Library, get one and use it."Â
