MADS MIL@NO PHOTO AWARD CATA DEF

Angela Stout & Neysa Wellington
The painter, Angela M. Stout, and the photographer, Neysa Wellington, both from North Carolina, collaborate
in the realization of the project “Suppression”. Welligton takes a photograph of an African American man
covering his nose and mouth with the American flag. The photo is black and white, except for the flag that
stands out from the composition thanks to the vivid colors. With great skill, Stout makes an exact copy of the
photograph using acrylic paint as her medium. The realism that emerges from this painting is stunning. The
work on display expresses a strong need for protest in the wake of recent police brutality events in the States,
which resulted in the “Black Lives Matter” movement. Unfortunately, the racial injustice that affects America,
and the world in general, is not a recent problem. It has deeper roots that stem from the exploitation and slavery
that African populations were subjected from as early as the 15th Century. Angela and Neysa express through
art the need for equality and belonging. The American flag, the visual focus of the work, highlights the fact that
all citizen of American must be treated as equals, with the same rights and duties. “Suppression” is therefore a
work with a strong message, a message that needs to be heard and, above all, understood. Injustice, amorality
and persecution must end.
Art Curator Giorgia Massari