The American flag has long stood as a powerful symbol in the history of art, representing an evolving emblem of identity, resilience, and critique. Artists who engage with this motif play a vital role in weaving the threads that bind communities and cultures together. When that thread is undermined or frayed, the very foundations of society risk decay.

As someone named after Alexander Hamilton, one of America’s Founding Fathers, I extend my heartfelt wishes for the nation’s health and prosperity under its new president. May wisdom guide decisions, and may every corner of the electorate feel its voice heard. Only by honouring the principles of my namesake, who helped shape the U.S. Constitution, can we safeguard the enduring promise of unity and progress.

My work has sought to continue this tradition, exploring the flag’s rich iconography and its capacity to evoke transformation and dialogue.

On the eve of Donald Trump’s second inauguration as President of the United States on Monday, January 20, 2025, I present a 21-flag salute to honour the enduring legacy of the Stars and Stripes. Released in parallel with the ceremonial 21-gun salute—an interval of gravity and national attention following the presidential oath—these works reflect both the fragility and the strength of a nation and its people.

'Plate 0113' American flag in flower petals, photography, oil & craquelure varnish.

A Contemporary Tribute. The series originates from an intricate sculpture of the American flag, meticulously crafted from thousands of live flower petals. These petals—ephemeral yet poignant—were captured underwater using a rare large-format analogue technique on positive film plates, yielding a painterly depth poised between permanence and fragility.

Of the 21 flags, twelve are presented as pure photographic prints, while nine are further transformed through an ageing process. These works are overpainted in oils and finished with a delicate craquelure varnish, creating a visual dialogue between the fleeting nature of the petals and the enduring presence of the flag as a national symbol.

Building on the Legacy. Throughout art history, the American flag has been a profound subject for artists seeking to challenge, critique, and inspire.

Jasper Johns’s seminal Flag (1954–55) transformed the icon into a layered exploration of personal and national identity.

Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima (1945) immortalised the resilience and sacrifice of a nation during wartime.

I approached the flag not as a static icon but as a living, evolving symbol. By reimagining it through flower petals and immersion in water—using water itself to paint the scene in light—I aim to reflect both the fragility of shared history and the strength of collective hope.

A 21-flag salute to the American people, released at the precise moment the ceremonial salute is fired by the Presidential Guns Salute Battery of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment (“The Old Guard”).

Each piece serves as a reminder that art can transcend division and invite unity, even during times of profound national introspection.

You can view the 21 flag works released here .