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| The Knitting Machine, at the Momentary Summer 2023 |
“Art can be both intellectually rigorous and conceptually accessible without compromising either value—I think it comes closest to its purpose when it is.” Dave ColeToday I am looking through photographs from last summer. Specifically time in Bentonville, Arkansas. The Momentary is a contemporary art space with ever changing experiences. It is an extension of the Crystal Bridges Museum.
I was quite taken with Dave Cole's Knitting Machine. Using telephone poles as knitting needles and two large excavators as arms, multidisciplinary artist Dave Cole was attempting to create the world’s largest American flag.
It has me thinking about the knitting of an American flag during a contentious election year, and the parallels between the complexity of weaving together diverse threads into a unified whole and the intricate task of bringing together a nation with differing views, values, and aspirations.
Just as Dave Cole’s project used massive, industrial-sized tools to create a single, cohesive piece of art from disparate threads, Labor Day—an occasion that honors the contributions of American workers—serves as a reminder of the collective effort required to build and sustain the nation. In an election year, especially one marked by intense division, the symbolism of knitting a flag underscores the ongoing work of democracy: each stitch, each thread represents the labor, sacrifice, and hope of countless individuals coming together to form a larger, shared identity.
However, just as with knitting, where a single mistake can unravel a large section, the fabric of the nation can also fray under the strain of conflict and discord. Labor Day, provides a moment to reflect on the importance of solidarity, unity, and the shared endeavor of building a country that strives to include all its diverse voices. The act of knitting a flag, especially during a heated election year, symbolizes the delicate balance between individual expression and the collective identity—a balance that, if managed with care, can result in something strong, beautiful, and enduring.
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