Emma Cieslik

Based in Joshua Tree, California, Judy Lichtman’s art explores the power of language in the context of authoritarianism, namely who determines the meaning and enforcement of words in fascist regimes. She received her BFA from the MICA and an MA in Industrial Design from San Francisco State University, and prior to her present explorations, she worked for 30 years as a graphic designer. This career informs how she stretches, warps, and rearranges words—modulating in every way imaginable—to attach meaning to or strip language we know and recognize of all meaning. Her series MAR-A-LAGO, ETC. situated words whose letters split into three vertical columns over black and white depictions of hidden documents, including the Epstein files, and Trump himself.

One of her most powerful projects called Rogue Signage involves creating and placing aluminum signs warning about the reality of fascist empire-making, including propaganda, roving patrols (ICE), and detention camps. After learning about this ongoing project, I sat down with Lichtman to learn more about what inspired this collection and what she hopes to convey.

Read the interview in WhiteHot Magazine: https://whitehotmagazine.com/articles/language-dadaism-with-judy-lichtman/8046

Image captions:
1. Smithsonian Warning Sign, 2026, Engraved Plastic Sign, Metal Floor-Standing Sign Holder, Photo credit: Judy Lichtman.
2. Propaganda at Work (Minneapolis), 2026, Reflective Aluminum Signs, Galvanized Steel, Photo credit: Judy Lichtman.
3. Epstein Island, 2026, Reflective Aluminum Signs, Galvanized Steel, Photo credit: @rd_granados.
4. Fall in Line, 2026, Reflective Aluminum Signs, Galvanized Steel, Photo credit: Judy Lichtman.
5. MoneyBomb (As Soon as They Behave), 2026, Reflective Aluminum Signs, Galvanized Steel, Photo credit: @rd_granados.