Dystopia (10 Early Signs of Democracy)

"10 Early Signs of Fascism" 10 of diamonds in a deck of cards for SHG portfolio. 1 of 2. Woodcut with a stencil of diamond in black, mask of eyes in black. Red background with white lettering. Kay Brown's Utopia was created in part of the 'Utopia/Dystopia' portfolio, curated by artist Miyo Stevens-Gandara. Miyo invited 26 artists to each pick two cards from a full deck, incorporating a diverse range of interpretations and ideas into a single, unified collection. These prints juxtapose the institutional ideologies of democracy and fascism as opposing means of organization. With the conviction that "public art is an early sign of democracy" and that "art speaks a universal language," Brown uses her art practice as a platform to speak out against injustices too often seen and observed in daily life. Her work often features themes surrounding existing institutionalized power structures in the United States, as well as questioning how a more equitable democracy can be attained in the country. She also calls for further discussion regarding environmental crises and immigration policy.