A college student has crafted a compelling photo series that reflects President-elect Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about women. While many of us felt uncomfortable hearing Trump’s disparaging comments, one young artist, Casey Johnson, channeled her feelings into a powerful artistic expression. Her series, titled #SignedByTrump, juxtaposes provocative imagery with Trump’s alarming rhetoric, creating a haunting commentary that some might deem inappropriate for work.
“I began working on #SignedByTrump a few weeks before the election. When Trump actually won, I felt an urgency to amplify my message,” Casey explained in an interview. At just 18 years old, she is pursuing her studies at Clatsop Community College in Oregon. What started as a final project for her Introduction to Photography class has transformed into artwork that could easily grace any esteemed gallery.
“Initially, like many Americans, I thought the campaign was a joke. I could not believe he was seriously running for president! No one expected him to win,” she shared. “I certainly didn’t.” Her artwork raises an important question: “Why isn’t there more politically driven art?” Especially following such a tumultuous election.
“I was, and still am, completely stunned that Hillary Clinton didn’t emerge victorious,” Casey admitted. She’s not alone in her disbelief that someone so inexperienced and irresponsible could become president. The election results motivated her creative endeavors. “In past elections, I was too young to grasp politics, and to some extent, I still feel that way. This year, I turned 17 and was more engaged than ever. Even though I was two weeks shy of voting, I made an effort to stay informed,” she said.
“As a staunch feminist, hearing Trump say things like ‘grab them by the pussy’ made me feel nauseated. Women are not mere objects,” Casey stated. “The fact that he could make such statements and still win terrifies me. I fear that such words and attitudes might become normalized.”
Initially, Casey shared her photos on Facebook and Instagram, but many were swiftly taken down. It seems social media has no issue with disseminating harmful misinformation but readily censors art that celebrates female empowerment. However, when she posted her work on Tumblr, the response was overwhelmingly positive, leading to its viral spread. As of now, her post boasts over 102,805 notes, and its reach continues to expand. “My intention was to help people recognize who Trump truly is, and I just want to be heard,” she explained. “I know many have firm opinions about him, but I hope that #SignedByTrump opens at least one person’s eyes.”
While Casey didn’t anticipate such a vast reach, she welcomes the attention. “Though I’ve received some criticism, the support has been incredible. The positive feedback far outweighs the negative,” she noted. “I never imagined my project would resonate so deeply with so many. I’ve received messages that brought me to tears.”
“I chose to keep everyone’s faces out of the images for two main reasons. First, anonymity in art can be powerful; it allows viewers to envision whoever they want in those roles. Second, these women are more than just models to me; they are friends and family, including myself in one of the self-portraits. I wanted to protect them from the harshness of online opinions,” she explained.
Since launching her project online, Casey has collaborated with The Outrage to produce merchandise like postcards and apparel featuring her images, with 15% of profits going to the ACLU in Trump’s name. A similar initiative has generated 82,000 donations to Planned Parenthood in Mike Pence’s name.
“I still can’t fathom how Trump ended up in office, but he did. Now, more than ever, we need to unite,” Casey stressed. “To everyone who has backed me and #SignedByTrump: don’t allow anyone to silence you. Speak out about what you’re passionate about.” For more thought-provoking content, check out other insightful articles on home insemination kit.
In summary, Casey Johnson’s thought-provoking series, inspired by Trump’s remarks, invites reflection on the implications of such rhetoric in society. Despite challenges, her work has sparked conversations and garnered significant attention, proving the power of art in political discourse.