People's Flag Show

[1][2] The organizers of the exhibition wanted to test the boundaries of “repressive laws governing so-called flag desecration.”[3] This intent was posted on a flyer calling for artist participation for the week-long event.

The People’s Flag Show was inspired by the 1967 conviction of New York art gallery owner Stephen Radich, whose case was pending in the U.S. Supreme Court at the time of the 1970 exhibition.

In December 1966, Radich presented sculptures by artist Marc Morrel, who incorporated American flags into works of art criticizing the U.S.’s involvement in Vietnam.

Other participants of the group protest exhibition included feminist writer Kate Millett, political and social activist Abbie Hoffman, as well as choreographer Yvonne Rainer.

[15] Trio A with Flags has also been restaged at the Museum of Modern Art,[16] at the Joyce Theater with the Stephen Petronio Company,[17] and at galas and other benefits to both celebrate and help raise money for institutions such as Printed Matter[18] and Performa.