Battery Park, New York--Nixon campaign 2 1960

Robert Frank captured this contact sheet, "Battery Park, New York--Nixon campaign 2," revealing the raw, unedited moments of a political rally. The dominant symbol here is undoubtedly the American flag, a potent emblem of national identity, unity, and power. We see a sea of flags rippling above the crowd, an image that resonates with historical echoes from ancient Roman standards to revolutionary banners. This symbol, however, is not static. Consider its appearance in battle scenes versus peaceful gatherings; the flag's meaning shifts, embodying both patriotic fervor and potential aggression. Such imagery taps into our collective memory, stirring subconscious associations with past glories and present anxieties. The waving flag, in its rhythmic motion, almost hypnotizes the viewer, drawing us into the emotional landscape of national belonging. Like a recurring dream, the flag resurfaces through history, each time carrying the weight of accumulated experience.