SPOKEN STATE USA - JOHN F. KENNEDY
Inaugural Address
Washington, D.C., 20 January 1961
ABOUT THE PAINTING
Words from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address are drawn and painted by hand to form the American flag.
The speech becomes part of the flag’s stars and stripes—a declaration of national purpose embedded in its familiar symbol. From a distance, the flag resolves; up close, the words become legible.
Original painting: acrylic on aluminium composite panel.
Print EDITIONS
Signed and numbered archival pigment prints of the original paintings, produced in limited editions and available in two sizes. Each print is supplied unframed.
Archival pigment print
Edition of 96
Signed & numbered
Size: 53 cm × 32 cm
Shown framed · Sold unframed
Process
The aluminium panel is prepared, primed and painted white. Using a T-square and pencil, I map the words across the geometry of the American flag.
The lettering and surrounding colour are painted by hand in acrylic, gradually building the image in red, white and blue.
Historical Context
On 20 January 1961, John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., taking office as the 35th President of the United States.
Against the backdrop of the Cold War, he combined a commitment to defend freedom with an appeal for negotiation and cooperation. He called on Americans to accept the responsibilities of citizenship, and on nations to work together against poverty, disease and war.
The painting places this declaration of public purpose within the American flag, inviting reflection on the relationship between national ideals and the responsibility to fulfil them.
John F. Kennedy — Inaugural Address
Washington, D.C., 20 January 1961
ORIGINAL PAINTING
For availability and enquiries about the original painting, please contact Gary.