40 PATRIOTS/countless americans

“They should be dead. They are dead. They are the old order.” Artist Lee Brozgol said of his papier-mâché skull masks featuring right-wing sociopolitical figures. 

In 1992, Brozgol’s show “40 PATRIOTS/countless americans” caused an uproar in Congressional circles. 

The show, which opened at New York City’s Dance Theater Workshop and was exhibited as well in Washington D.C. depicted death head masks of figureheads such as George Bush Sr., Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Clarence Thomas, David Duke and Jerry Falwell, amongst others. 

Brozgol personally invited these subjects to his show. The response was for many in right-wing circles to call for an end to the National Endowment for the Arts. 

Brozgol told The Washington Post in 1992, “Metaphor is my business. My choice of the death head to represent right-wing sociopolitical icons is simply my way of saying that I think their vision for America is archaic, and it has got to go.”

Brozgol also included in his show vividly colored reimagined flags both for the United States, and for historically oppressed and marginalized groups, such as Queer Nation, Gray Panthers, and Vietnam Veterans Agent Orange Victims, among others.

“Flags are an idea, and ideas are mutable.” Said Brozgol. “I’m the real Betsy Ross. I’m a real person, not a folk myth.” 

Brozgol’s radical vision of inclusivity still resonates 30 years later. As the world teeters between old violent power structures created to benefit the few, and new ways of living guided by care, community and equity, Brozgol’s art provides a relevant blueprint for what a more beautiful world for all might look like.

Left to Right: Byron White, Lee Iacocca, Andy Warhol, Alfonse D'Amato, George Bush, Brozgol’s original letter inviting “Patriots” to the opening.