Street artist and Iraqi War veteran who operated drones, ESSAM, was arrested in his home on November 28th for mock street signs and pieces of graffiti that wanted to start a conversation on the growing hand and eye that the government has over this country. Drone implementation, internationally, is not only a hot topic but there is talk of domestic use within New York City and other states, such as Texas. One thing to keep in the back of your mind in this ongoing debate: two US citizens were killed from drone strikes in the Middle East without trial-Anwar al-Awlaki and 16 year old son, Abdulrahman al-Awlaki.
The event will have an open bar and live music, while a silent auction for ESSAM’s work as well as other NYC based artists will take place. All proceeds will go towards anything and everything from keeping ESSAM out of jail. ESSAM is charged with grand larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, and 56 counts of possession of a forged instrument.
The auction will be from 7-9 PM on March 14th at ANIMAL New York (595 11th Ave). You can RSVP at rsvp@animalnewyork.com and donate via PayPal.
Get more information at http://www.freeessam.com
Check out some of his pieces below and our piece on drones in the current issue on stands now by Sha Be Allah.
Bryan Hahn (@notupstate)
