Flagpole, American Flag, Security Ink Tags, 120 x 12 in. (304.8 x 30.5 cm)
Tamper Free is an American flag covered with white plastic security tags, such as those often attached to articles of clothing in chain stores. By securing these tags on the flag, the artist places value in the qualities that America aims to represent - liberty, justice and freedom - as something to be protected. However, the magnitude of security tags emblazoned with the warning "Tampering May Release Ink and Cause Injury" distorts the image of the flag and questions the current state of America. The viewer is left to consider who is protected and who is harmed in this pursuit, and if the means to protect these ideals have reached excessive levels, as seen in immigration policy or over policing of largely Black and Latino communities.
