Craig Norton’s ‘Freedom of Speech is not so Black and White’
BY: GRETA MCGLAWN
Graphic Design Editor
“I have always done work based on getting involved in the community,” said Craig Norton about his exhibition “Freedom of Speech is not so Black and White,” which is being featured in STLCC Meramec’s Contemporary Art Gallery. This body of work encapsulates this statement, as it covers resistance movements from across the globe and throughout time. Spanning from the American Civil Rights movement to the ever-prevalent struggles of Palestinians.
A feature of the show is the contrasting view of the history of human struggles. Norton portrays issues of all kinds, not necessarily aligning with his ideology.
“I have my own feelings, my own tastes, my own beliefs, and my own moral compass,” he says. “I tried to do varying protest riot themes; they’re all from real things. I do all of it in here, because that’s the truth. That’s history there.”
There are both pro-life and pro-choice depictions as well as Proud Boys and Black Lives Matter protests. This is an interesting concept of including opposing views, all depicted fighting for their position. It shows a similarity between humans that is not often thought of. Norton uses these opposing views to create an “ongoing kind of almost battle” throughout the gallery space.
Norton’s pieces are dynamic and expressive while using a simple material: a ballpoint pen. He explained about his style, “The way I do these, though, I don’t make them gory, because that would lose a lot of audience, you know?”
Norton said, “Like that one of the Proud Boy guy flexing to me, that’s based off a picture of a real guy that was flexing, and I felt like it was interesting, because I don’t stand up for hate. I’m against hate, but I felt like him flexing; he didn’t have muscles, and he’s tattooed out and everything. I think he’s got this false strength.” He said he does this to bring opposing views to the audience to start conversations that are not one-sided.
Norton can be found at Craig Norton Art on Instagram and TikTok. The exhibition will be open from Jan. 22 to Feb. 24, Mon-Thurs, 12-4 p.m., or by appointment.
Photos by Greta McGlawn
