These works were created in response to the events in Charlottesville and the increased visibility of extremist ideologies in contemporary American culture. I was interested in recreating the ceremonial atmosphere surrounding these gatherings, as well as the often ambiguous boundaries between opposing factions.

The accompanying images draw parallels to the growing mainstream acceptance of mixed martial arts and submission-based combat as forms of popular entertainment.

As extremist rhetoric becomes increasingly normalized within public discourse, it is readily categorized, color-coded, and appropriated by partisan interests, transforming complex social issues into political identities.