In this series, Alexander James Hamilton reinterprets the American flag, a symbol historically laden with notions of unity, resilience and identity through the lens of contemporary vanitas. Constructed from thousands of real flower petals, each flag is meticulously assembled and then submerged underwater, capturing the ephemeral beauty and inherent fragility of the materials.

Photographed entirely in-camera using analogue techniques, without digital manipulation, these compositions are realised into unique darkroom prints.

The interplay of light, water, and organic matter evokes a painterly aesthetic reminiscent of classical still-life traditions, while simultaneously inviting reflection on the transient nature of symbols and the societies they represent.

Each piece in the collection is singular, with no editions, underscoring the uniqueness of the moment captured and the impermanence of the subject matter. These works serve as a contemplative exploration of national identity, memory and the delicate balance between permanence and decay.