A cast of colorful and satirical characters on a white wagon carrying the liberty bell tethered…

Bicentennial Bandwagon

Artist Red Grooms (American, born 1937)

Publisher P. Lorillard Company (American)

Date1976

MediumScreenprint on paper

DimensionsImage: 26 5/8 × 34 3/4 inches (67.6 × 88.3 cm)
Sheet: 26 5/8 × 34 3/4 inches (67.6 × 88.3 cm)
Matted: 32 × 40 inches (81.3 × 101.6 cm)

Portfolio/SeriesKent Bicentennial portfolio, "Spirit of Independence"

Credit LineGift of Lorillard, a Division of Loew’s Theatres, Inc.

Object number1977.17

On View

On view

Copyright© Red Grooms, Member of Artists Rights Society (ARS). The images and text contained on this page are owned by Telfair Museums or used by the Museum with permission from the owners. Unauthorized reproduction, transmission or display of these materials is prohibited with the exception of items deemed “fair use” as defined by U.S. and international copyright laws. Label TextHighly stylized in a cartoonish manner distinct to the work of Pop artist Red Grooms, 'Bicentennial Bandwagon' offers a critical interpretation of the 200th anniversary of the United States. Featuring a football player in high heels bicycling across a tightrope; Betsy Ross sewing the flag; King George and a typecast Native American on either side of a cracked Liberty Bell; and an African American man driving the bandwagon with the motley crew, the work appropriates well-known symbols of America, but exaggerates and distorts them in a menacing manner. The fireworks in the sky suggest napalm, and a sinister feeling pervades the festive atmosphere. The sincerity of the words “EQUALITY” and “PLENTY” is challenged by the chaotic scene.

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