Freedom 2019

Editor: Bo Bartlett's 2019 oil painting, "Freedom," features a man on a bicycle pulling a small cart, with an American flag attached to the back. The painting evokes a sense of weariness combined with determination. How do you interpret this work, especially given its title? Curator: The painting's title, "Freedom," when juxtaposed with the figure's burdened journey, really prompts us to consider what freedom truly means in an American context. This man, likely a Black man given Bartlett's broader body of work and the art historical allusions that he likes to layer into his paintings, seems to be carrying the weight of history—a history marked by systemic inequality and the unfulfilled promises of freedom for all. Editor: I see that. The flag, normally a symbol of unity and patriotism, feels almost…ironic here? Curator: Exactly. The presence of the American flag asks us to consider whose freedom is being celebrated and at what cost. Is this a representation of the American Dream, or a critique of it? We have to ask who can attain it, and who remains on the margins. It forces a dialogue around the lived experience of marginalized people and challenges the romanticized notions of freedom often associated with American imagery. The very earth and the water that pool in the road ahead have a heavy feeling in how they are painted. It adds to the mood so much. Editor: It’s almost as though the figure's individual journey becomes a broader commentary on the state of American society and its ideals. The word "Freedom" as a title is very fraught! Curator: Precisely. By bringing a philosophical lens we confront how "freedom" functions both as a rallying cry and a measure of inequality, a constant push for something still yet unrealized. Editor: I’m beginning to see how the artwork challenges conventional readings of national identity and opens space for deeper reflection. Curator: Yes, the visual vocabulary of "Freedom" can prompt questions about patriotism, belonging, and social justice that might be very challenging, even discomforting, and ultimately transformative. Editor: Thank you, I really see the importance of situating art within complex sociopolitical contexts and letting that inform our experience.