For 2016 autumn/winter, Asger Juel Larsen draws inspiration from a historical figure who, later, became personification of the US government.
During the War of 1812 between the US and the British Empire, a meatpacker by the name of Samuel Wilson supplied beef to the US army in barrels that were stamped with “U.S.” but the soldiers jokingly labeled them as from “Uncle Sam.”
Soon the nickname caught on and anything labeled “U.S.” was considered Uncle Sam’s! Images of Uncle Sam started appearing as an elderly man with goatee dressed in the colors of the US flag.
To this image, Asger combines some Native American motifs, 19th-century army uniforms, and other symbols.
See the shots.
Photos by Ellis Scott & text, Copyright Asger Juel Larsen.