Choking on the Flag

This painting was one of the first works CJ Shapiro painted after Trump was elected in 2016. It portrays her emotional reaction to America’s election, as she regarded him to be "a sociopath," bringing focus to the fact of how he spoke openly of grabbing women by the “pussy.” Traumatised, like many were, by his election, his presidential decrees, the endless tweets, and the resultant climate of immorality and hatred his election created, Shapiro explores the suffocating nature that politics can have on the public when it feels out of one's control.

CJ Shapiro 

As a member of the LGBTQIA community, as an outspoken feminist, and as a Jewish woman who has experienced discrimination and antisemitism, CJ Shapiro uses her work to highlight social conditions that undermine individual liberty and agency. Her work grapples with issues including violence against women and children, sexual abuse, sexuality, race, and gender. Shapiro’s paintings viscerally expose the impact of, and adaptation to, a society that denies its own exclusion, oppression, and exploitation.

Born and raised in New York City, Caren Jo Shapiro is a visual artist, a psychotherapist, and the co-founder of Endangered Bodies. She holds a Masters in Fine Arts, a Masters in Social Work, and a Postgraduate Therapy Degree specialising in eating disorders. Recent exhibitions include “May I …” at StartaArta in New York, NY and Art for Social Change: DISSENT at Oak Park Art League in Chicago, IL.

Based on our agreement with the artist, 15% of the pre-VAT price excluding frames will be donated to support the social movement. Donation will be given to support the National Network of Abortion Funds.