CHELSEA MANNING

Clear braille on polymer, 2019.

Artist statement: 

"Lady Justice is a symbol of impartiality in our judicial system. Standing stoically with a scale in one hand and a sword in the other, she is blindfolded representing that power, status, or money has no influence. A standard braille sign becomes repurposed by altering its function. The art highlights Chelsea Manning who served seven years for sharing classified military documents and videos showing unarmed civilians being killed. Despite President Obama commuting her sentence in 2017, Manning was in prison again for refusing to testify before a grand jury. Manning was eventually released and she is a whistleblower whose actions exposed the truth of war."