Bay Area Artist Examines The American Dream Through Traditional Symbols

REDWOOD CITY, CA — A large-scale exhibition examining the evolving American Dream through symbols of Americana and both blue- and white-collar labor, shaped by the artist’s upbringing in the Midwest, went on display Saturday in Redwood City.

The latest art installation at the Art Kiosk located at 2208 Broadway St. in Redwood City is “Coming Home” by Bay Area artist Ryan Carrington.

It will be on display from July 19 through Sept. 7. An artist reception will take place at 4 p.m. on Sept. 6.

The Redwood City Improvement Association, in collaboration with Fung Collaboratives, has brought “Coming Home.” The installation features textile-based work that examines the conceptual weight of familiar materials, such as pre-worn garments, iconic gingham patterns and objects tied to barbecue culture.

Carrington created American flags sewn from uniforms of workers across class lines. These flags aim to act as a bridge between communities and sparking reflection on labor, class, identity and shared values, according to Carrington. The artist invites viewers to reconsider everyday symbols, from pies to plumbing parts, as channels for empathy and a deeper understanding of American history.

Carrington is a teaching professor at Santa Clara University and his upbringing in a blue-collar family in the Midwest brings personal and regional significance to the work. His installations, showcased nationwide, frequently demonstrated his appreciation for labor, craftsmanship and the impact of material storytelling.

The Art Kiosk in Redwood City presents site-specific works by Bay Area and international artists. Conceived and curated by Lance M. Fung, with project management by Fung Collaboratives, the initiative has been sponsored by the Redwood City Improvement Association since 2019.