T-Shirt 7/85 (Public Office) by Karl Maier

At its heart this graphic is about triumph and celebration. Stylistically and thematically the artwork draws on the humble, populist, graphic design of protest posters. Protest and politics are long-standing, if odd, bed fellows - at once against and for each other. In my piece I wanted to recognize the role that protest movements have played in the struggle for equal rights.

The raised arm and clenched fist has long been a symbol of protest, perseverance and ultimately empowerment - the fight to overcome - and forms the basis for the design. It has also long been associated with certain oppressive aspects of the public office: the military and government. I purposely draw on both of these references. Ultimately, the design subverts expectations, the flag declaring this an image of celebration, reminiscent of a homecoming or ticker-tape parade.