Title
Mug
Label
Made in USA Series DON’T TREAD ON ME
Made by Michelle Erickson, Hampton, Virginia, 2018 Made from a Starbucks mug with artist’s transfer print and luster enamel decoration
Lent by Frank Russo
The image of a person of African descent on their knees continues to resonate today as a symbol of oppression and resistance. Artist Michelle Erickson uses the historic image to link the struggle for freedom, equality and justice in the past to the contemporary struggles of people of color.
The mug draws a comparison between the historic image of a kneeling slave and football quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee during the National Anthem to protest police brutality, mass incarceration and racism affecting the African-American community.
Made by Michelle Erickson, Hampton, Virginia, 2018 Made from a Starbucks mug with artist’s transfer print and luster enamel decoration
Lent by Frank Russo
The image of a person of African descent on their knees continues to resonate today as a symbol of oppression and resistance. Artist Michelle Erickson uses the historic image to link the struggle for freedom, equality and justice in the past to the contemporary struggles of people of color.
The mug draws a comparison between the historic image of a kneeling slave and football quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s taking a knee during the National Anthem to protest police brutality, mass incarceration and racism affecting the African-American community.
Credit Line
Photography by Rob Hunter
Citation
“Mug,” Museums at Washington and Lee University: Online Exhibits, accessed May 17, 2024, https://exhibits-museums.omeka.wlu.edu/items/show/30.