Blind Faith is a deliberately provocative examination of patriotism, political allegiance, religious identity, and power in contemporary America.

A woman crowned in the imagery of American liberty has her eyes covered by the American flag. Among its familiar stars appears a Star of David, intentionally disrupting the symbolism and introducing a second source of identity and allegiance into the composition.

The work speaks directly to contemporary debate surrounding the relationship between the United States and Israel, including questions about political influence, lobbying, foreign policy, and the degree to which American leaders' support for an ally reflects American interests, political pressure, ideology, or genuine conviction.

Yet the painting is larger than any single political position. The blindfold turns the question back toward the viewer. When does patriotism become unquestioning loyalty? When does faith become certainty? When does an alliance become allegiance? And are we willing to examine the institutions, nations, religions, and political movements we support with the same skepticism we apply to those we oppose?

Blind Faith does not tell the viewer what conclusion to reach. It asks something more uncomfortable: Are you certain you can still see clearly through the things you believe?

An original work by Michael J. Thomas for Khaos Art Studios.