Philadelphia is gearing up to celebrate the legacy of Ona Judge, a woman who escaped enslavement from George and Martha Washington, with a remarkable installation titled Sail Through This to That. This artistic tribute will be unveiled on May 28 at Spruce Street Harbor as part of the newly established ArtPhilly festival, initiated by Katherine Sachs, a trustee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The installation, created by New York-based conceptual artist indira allegra, features a trio of schooner sails symbolizing Judge's daring escape in 1796. This event coincides with the 250th anniversary of the signing of the US Declaration of Independence, prompting reflection on the complexities of American history and the narratives often overlooked.
As the legal dispute surrounding the removal of slavery exhibits from a historic park continues, this installation serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing dialogue about representation in the arts. The sails not only honor Judge but also draw inspiration from the vibrant aesthetics of Rem'mie Fells, a Philadelphia transgender woman and aspiring fashion designer, whose life was tragically cut short in 2020.
Allegra's vision was sparked five years ago when she recognized the connection between Judge's work as a seamstress and Fells's expression through fashion. The artist reflects on this intertwining history, stating, "I found Ona Judge's story as a seamstress connected with Rem'mie Fells's desire for freedom expressed through clothing." The local waterways, including the Delaware River, serve as a historical conduit between their lives.
Judge, who was only 15 when Washington took office, was one of several enslaved individuals he rotated in and out of Pennsylvania to evade the state's emancipation laws. Her daring escape aboard a ship to New Hampshire marked a significant act of defiance against the first presidential family, with Washington relentlessly pursuing her recapture until his death.
The installation's sails, designed over eight months in collaboration with the Fabric Workshop Museum, embody a colorful palette inspired by Fells's vibrant style. Allegra's approach emphasizes community and connection, inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys of love and kindness. "What do you want to spend the next five years loving so completely that it can blossom?" she poses, encouraging a dialogue about the importance of nurturing relationships.
The sails will be on display until July 30, coinciding with the US semiquincentennial celebrations, offering a poignant reminder of the histories that shape our present and inspire our future.
