Cup - "State House, Hartford" c. 1936

This cup, depicting the "State House, Hartford," was crafted by Helmut Hiatt, whose life spanned from the late 19th to the late 20th century. Hiatt lived through immense social and technological change, including the rise of mass production and the proliferation of commemorative objects. This simple cup acts as a lens through which we can examine the relationship between civic pride, representation, and accessibility. The State House, a symbol of governance, is transferred onto a domestic object, suggesting a desire to bring the symbols of power into everyday life. Consider the implications of placing a building of authority on an object intended for personal use. How does this change the viewer's relationship with power? This work reflects an attempt to foster a sense of connection between the citizen and their government. Hiatt invites us to reflect on the narratives we consume and the symbols we choose to carry with us in our daily lives.