Stripes & Stars: A Graphic History of an American Icon

On exhibit at the AIGA National Design Center from June 29 through August 25, 2000

Since its adoption on June 14, 1777, the flag has been reinterpreted by artists in countless ways for political, commercial and artistic uses. The results are comic, ironic, elegant and fanciful, as the “Stripes & Stars” exhibition vividly documents.

With little in the way of legal guidelines to limit graphic applications of the nation's flag, Americans have freely and proudly displayed the “stripes and stars,” as it was originally known, on many common objects—from embroidery on blankets to lapel pins. Despite various legal restrictions enacted by Congress to regulate popular interpretations of the flag, its motif has continued to appear in many forms.

The objects in the show are drawn from the collection of internationally recognized graphic designer Kit Hinrichs. They range from small historical campaign buttons to kitsch to modern-day sculptural interpretations that incorporate unconventional materials. Navajo tapestries, silk scarves, quilts, sneakers, tin can labels, toys, playing cards and cowboy boots-as well as paintings, prints and collages-are all included.

“The genesis of my 35-year fascination with the American flag was a family heirloom, a very old (1865) and faded flag that was sewn by my great-great-great-aunt from Ohio,” says Hinrichs. “As a designer, it is remarkable to me that for the first 150 years there were vague government guidelines that outlined the graphic application of the 'stripes and stars.' This... allowed the American people to create their own national icon.”