BADRI VALIAN

Democracy in Peril ( a Collection of Displaced Socks )

The "Democracy in Peril" project, created by artist Badri Valian, addresses the themes of displacement caused by totalitarian regimes and the influence of powerful entities on democratic revolutions. The project aims to shed light on how a minority group, who may not truly represent the majority, can manipulate genuine democratic movements through lobbying and interference from the United States.

The physical representation of the project involves a collective pair of socks tightly stretched between the white, blue and red stripes of the US flag, stitched with sharp staples. This symbolic representation signifies the suffering of innocent individuals who have been displaced due to the United States' involvement in manipulating global powers and revolutions. 

Badri Valian collected pairs of socks from participants during an artist residency and public speech, where she interacted with the audience. During these interactions, the artist asks if the audience members have ever experienced displacement. If they haven't, she requests them to take off their socks and give them to her, leaving them to continue walking without shoes or socks. This small act is meant to evoke empathy and understanding for the immense hardships faced by those who have been forcibly displaced or have become refugees.

Badri Valian believes that if Americans remain ignorant or indifferent to these issues, they themselves could become victims of anti-democratic forces in the future. The artist references the events of January 6, 2021, as evidence of the need to protect and preserve democracy, highlighting how quickly it can deteriorate into a dictatorship if not safeguarded.

Through the "Democracy in Peril" project, Badri Valian aims to stimulate reflection and caution among the American public. She urges people to be more conscious of their government's actions and policies concerning democracy worldwide. By emphasizing the potential consequences of manipulating democratic movements, the artist hopes to encourage a more informed and engaged citizenry in order to protect and preserve democratic values.