The artwork titled “The United States of Attica,” created by Faith Ringgold in 1972, falls under the genres of Conceptual Art and Postcolonial Art. Presented in the form of a poster, this piece is notable for its socio-political commentary and its alignment with the Conceptual Art movement’s emphasis on ideas and critique.
The artwork depicts a map of the United States, divided into two contrasting colors—red and green. Each state is annotated with text that recounts various instances of social and political unrest, violence, and historical events, focusing on issues such as civil rights struggles, war, and injustices. The top of the poster highlights the history and significance of the Attica Prison uprising, which occurred on September 13, 1971, where 42 men lost their lives in an effort to gain better living conditions and rights. The piece stands as a powerful visual critique of American history and its legacy of violence and oppression, inviting viewers to reflect on the incompleteness of the documented violence, as suggested by the instruction to “write in whatever you find lacking.”
