Washington, DC – Today, People For the American Way unveiled a powerful new portrait of Kamala Harris by Los Angeles-based visual artist Victoria Cassinova, who created the piece specifically for the organization as part of its Artists For Democracy campaign, which is dedicated to defeating Donald Trump.
Cassinova’s piece, “Kamala Harris: Freedom,” carries the message, “Our fight for the future is a fight for our freedom,” and will be available on the People For website for viewing and as merchandise. It is the latest image released from more than 20 world-renowned artists, including, in addition to Cassinova, Shepard Fairey, Carrie Mae Weems, Beverly McIver, Titus Kaphar, Hank Willis Thomas, Christine Sun Kim, Alyson Shotz, Amalia Mesa-Baines, Angelica Muro, and Cleon Peterson.
“People For has been fortunate to work with acclaimed artist Victoria Cassinova over the past several election cycles. Her portrait of Vice President Kamala Harris and its message of freedom helps shape the narrative and inspire get out the vote efforts for Kamala Harris around the country,” said People For the American Way President Svante Myrick. “We support Kamala Harris 100%. She is uniquely prepared to beat Trump and the MAGA movement and dismantle their assaults on our freedoms. Just as Shepard Fairey’s iconic ‘Hope’ poster captured the spirit of the 2008 election, Victoria’s work captures the cultural significance of this moment.”
“This image of Vice President Kamala Harris is about reclaiming freedom,” said Cassinova. “I am using art to show that we all must cast ballots to have the freedom to live, vote, read, love, speak and believe in a way that is authentic to ourselves, and be safe from harm, hate and persecution.”
Cassinova’s work ranges from murals to illustration and fine art. Her work has also served as an integral contribution to many social justice collaborations, including Blackout for Human Right’s annual MLK NOW event, We Rise Exhibition, Sons & Bros., Truth Initiative and more. She’s also worked with top brands including Urban Outfitters, Condè Nast with Proactiv & Teen Vogue, Netflix, TIME Magazine, Disney, CNN and Adidas.
In the coming months, Artists For Democracy 2024 will include billboards in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, and an organization-wide campaign with radio PSAs, on the ground organizers, targeted digital ads and art activations with potential expansion into more key battleground states, like North Carolina and Georgia.
Artists For Democracy 2024, co-chaired by Carrie Mae Weems and Shepard Fairey, aims to motivate people to go to the polls this election year and to reframe, reclaim and recontextualize concepts like “freedom,” “patriotism,” and “the American Way.”
“The power of art lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and speak to the soul. As we cast our votes, let us remember that democracy is the canvas upon which we paint our aspirations. VOTE!” said Cassinova.
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About Us People For the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of America real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more: http://www.peoplefor.org
