The Shrinking Ballot
July 1st, 2021 - Austin Texas
In a world of technology, access, and perceived acceptance we are dealing with injustice and disparity. ‘The Shrinking Ballot’ is about using the metaphor of size as a representation of what is and what is not. From large to almost missing is a story of community and what it gets to have as a whole. The places where choices are made in advance for one another. In places of power, access to voting is so obvious, easy and large that it would never appear to be a problem, yet in those spaces where it is not obvious how can we even find it? This creates disparity and discouragement. How could a simple right be so difficult? The objective of this work is to represent these communities for what they have and what that looks like. Can I vote easily? Do I know where to go? Can I get there? What is needed for the forms? Who decides? Riding on the coattails of a large wave of forced and falsely perceived lies is a wave of backwards change. Changes that seem simple to so many and right, yet are so shameful. As a country, we want record turnouts at the polls, not less. So you didn't win. Do better. Don’t cheat out the people, for eventually the tipping point will be uncovered. From large to small as long as possibility exists the drive to charge on and grow shall never cease. You may be my lawmaker now sure but the wool will eventually get pulled and the cowardly sheep will be exposed. My right is your right plain and simple. The ballots are coming no matter what. Find the box because it belongs to you!
My work is about change, usually in the field of well-being and not politics but I do not feel that voting rights are not about well-being but rather the essence of what “well” can mean to one another. So many of us take for granted the simple right that we have when we walk into the polls each time we vote. For me, I have a flexible schedule, I have a vehicle, I have a computer, I have a passport, and I have a license. These things may seem trivial to so many but what if for a second we could all imagine they are not. Those in the position of power rarely recognize it as such and complain when those who are not try to seek it. Change in the wind from another undesired direction that could level the world is not welcome on the tipping point of power. Politics in this country are meant for all, not for the few. For too long have I sat idly by to view the world through the lens of born access and power. How could I not wish to do better. How could I not stand up and talk with the voice I am given as an artist. It is time for change and not because it is scary but because it is right. Voting is just that, a “Right” that deserves more from us not less.
Collaborators + Contributors
Cassie Felicella—artist
Ben Griffith—artist
Elizabeth Hill—artist
Jennifer Wester—artist
Laura J. Lawson—artist
Reo Casey—artist
Juliette Miller Nickle—artist
Devin Alejandro-Wilder—artist
Dylan Hollingsworth—artist
David Carapetyan—supporter
Matthew Bowdon—supporter
© 2024 Erica Felicella