Honorable Mention - Open Division
Transition House
Norman, OK
Caught in the Middle
The topic of this year's collage brought about discussions which were as disparate and incendiary as the concept we were attempting to materialize. We could easily parallel our heated debates to how Oklahoma politics works: two sides pulling in opposite directions as some of us were in the middle, wishing for peace between the colliding parties. Ironically, we were able to come to a consensus after using a secret ballot to help everyone have a voice in the formation of the collage.
On either side of the mural, there is a political cartoon icon representing both parties who are seemingly in a heated battle. On the right is the elephant, surrounded by black and white images, representing the Republican Party. The use of black and white images on the right depicts sameness, and a less diverse nature of individuals of this party.
Upon the left is the donkey, surrounded by color images which represent the Democratic Party. The use of colorful images on the left depicts the diversity of the individuals who make up this party. We have placed symbols of public agencies in the left portion of the collage as the agencies have historically had representation from the Democratic Party.
The focal point of the mural is the image borrowed from Edward Munch's work, The Scream. We felt that this image depicts how the public feels in the middle of the political rhetoric of both sides. Each party pulls and fights in opposite directions, and the people, confused and frustrated, are caught in the middle of the battle. Although it is us who are to be represented, oftentimes it feels as though we are left behind, with no other voice but that of a muted scream. The public is often uninformed about the proceedings of our leaders, and we often give up altogether and are left with a lingering feeling of hopelessness.
The four corners contain Native American symbols to demonstrate lessons learned from the foremost residents of Oklahoma. By using the cultural symbols, we recognize a continuum of ideals which transcends the passage of time, and inspires us to imagine what once again could be. The feather located on the top left corner represents the creative force, or the source of ideas within the individual. The hand on the lower left corner represents the work, achievements and legacy of man. Both symbols recognize humanity, and that every individual adds to our society.
Crossed arrows on upper right corner symbolize friendship; a hope that political disputes may someday find common ground. Lastly, the sun, a symbol of life, the future, and regeneration is placed in the lower right corner. This is a symbol of our hope for a future for peace, understanding and to have our voice be heard within the system of Oklahoma politics.
Transition House
Norman, OK
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