“This project is a meditation on the American flag; how a patriotic icon can be transformed beyond a public symbol. What happens when the iconographic is destabilized, when that which is upright is displaced onto the body and rendered abstract? Given the current political climate in the United States, I wanted to explore the concept of the flag as a signifier in flux and how our relationship to it may change when it is activated as a veil. The mantra-like narration emphasizes the state of mourning I see our country in and the importance of voting out the leaderless leadership of the Trump administration.” – STERLING RUBY

The black and white video opens with a figure crouching outside, his back turned to the camera and body shrouded in a mineral wash denim. Overlaid with two voices reading a sober passage, he rises to stand in slow motion, extending his arms to reveal the sheath as the VEIL FLAG.

The VEIL FLAG operates both as a piece that can be hung on a wall, or a garment that can be worn over the shoulder. VEIL FLAG will be sold online in a limited quantity of 50 editions with the price at $650 each. Pre-order opened on September 28, with a projected shipment date at the end of October. Through the proceeds of this sale, they are supporting the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The ED. 50 segment of the line is a rotating edition of limited pieces produced in quantities of 50, and coexists amongst the line’s three other, distinct identities: S.R. STUDIO. LA. CA., the main line; SOTO, garments constructed with fabric handworked by Sterling Ruby Studio; and UNIQUE, one-off pieces designed and realized by Sterling Ruby. These lines are mixed together, instinctively, democratically, without hierarchy.

This is Ruby’s second initiative with the ACLU, following the support of the ACLU of Southern California through the presentation of the artist’s film STATE at Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, in February 2019.