Our Bodies, Our Quilt

This section of the quilt explores the government’s role in obscuring the release of the files describing convicted sex offender Jefferey Epstein’s co-conspirators, potentially including the names of high-profile politicians and members of American society, and the blatant misogyny in the news coverage surrounding his case. We were drawn to this case because it reflects how power and wealth continue to obscure justice in the U.S., revealing deeper issues about accountability and privilege. Our piece highlights the hypocrisy of President Trump and Republican politicians who previously called for the release of the “Epstein List,” yet now remain silent when prompted to act. The upper portion juxtaposes images of House Speaker Mike Johnson, Trump, Epstein, and Congresswoman-elect Adelita Grijalva, who is being blocked from being sworn in to Congress to prevent her from voting on the files’ release, to illustrate the ongoing effort to suppress their release. The middle layer features an excerpt from the Constitution and a news article that shifts focus from Epstein to survivors of his abuse, while the right column features a poem written by Lucas Bratt reflecting on “Epstein Island.” It is called “Epstein’s Shadow.” The poem is dedicated to the power of seeking justice; it channels hope for the release of the files. At the bottom, quotes from Trump on the Epstein case further emphasize the government’s role in hiding the truth. Ultimately, this section of the quilt challenges viewers to confront Trump’s efforts to protect Epstein’s friends and associates and illustrates how institutions built to uphold justice can shield the wealthy and powerful from true accountability.
We hope our section will support the survivors, connect real-world events to theory, and force the release of the Epstein files. President Trump, Speaker Johnson, and congressional Republicans. You are in charge of our government. Do better.