As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, the Orlando Museum of Art is inviting visitors to reflect on the nation’s evolving story through a powerful contemporary work of art. Featured in the museum’s USA 250: 250 Years on the Road to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness exhibition, Colombian-American artist Mateo Blanco’s Arhuaco Flag offers a unique interpretation of one of America’s most recognizable symbols.
On display through October 4, the exhibition brings together artwork that explores the history, ideals, and identity of the United States during this milestone anniversary. Blanco’s Arhuaco Flag serves as a centerpiece of that conversation, reimagining the American flag through handwoven fibers, natural dyes, and centuries-old Indigenous craftsmanship.
Created in collaboration with members of the Arhuaco community of Colombia’s Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the piece was woven using hand-harvested cotton and dyed with traditional botanical methods passed down through generations. The artwork blends ancestral knowledge with contemporary artistic expression while highlighting themes of cultural heritage, resilience, and shared identity.
For Blanco, the project is deeply personal.
“This work is among the most meaningful pieces I have ever created,” Blanco said. “I was born in the United States, raised between cultures, and shaped by different traditions and histories. This flag reflects the America I know—an America built on freedom, resilience, opportunity, and the contributions of people from many backgrounds.”
The artist says the work honors both the nation’s history and the future being shaped by diverse communities across America.
For the Arhuaco people, weaving is far more than an artistic practice. It serves as a way to preserve cultural memory, pass knowledge from one generation to the next, and maintain a close relationship with the natural world. By incorporating those traditions into the familiar image of the American flag, Blanco creates a visual dialogue that connects cultures, generations, and histories.
The timing of the exhibition also offers an opportunity to reflect on craftsmanship in an increasingly digital world. Through its handmade materials and traditional techniques, Arhuaco Flag celebrates the enduring value of human connection, storytelling, and cultural preservation.
“The American experience has always been shaped by perseverance, innovation, cultural exchange, and hope,” Blanco said. “As we celebrate this historic milestone, it is important to recognize the many people and traditions that have contributed to our nation’s strength and character.”
Blanco’s work often explores themes of migration, identity, cultural memory, and the symbolism of the American flag through textiles, photography, and mixed media. His artwork has been exhibited in museums and cultural institutions across the United States and is included in both public and private collections.
Visitors to the Orlando Museum of Art can experience Arhuaco Flag alongside other works featured in USA 250: 250 Years on the Road to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, an exhibition that encourages reflection on America’s past while looking toward the generations that will shape its future.
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