PALM BEACH, FLA.- Collectors and institutions will soon have a rare opportunity to acquire a work that represents a milestone in American contemporary art. On November 15, 2025, Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice (2023)—the acclaimed textile flag by artist Mateo Blanco—will make its debut at Palm Beach Modern Auctions, marking the first time one of Blanco’s museum-exhibited works will be offered on the secondary market.

Previously displayed at the Butler Institute of American Art in 2024, this 36½ x 54-inch handwoven textile is considered one of Blanco’s most emblematic works. Each thread symbolizes unity, resilience, and justice, reframing the American flag as a universal emblem of belonging. Crafted from hundreds of interlaced fibers, the work captures the artist’s signature blend of empathy, innovation, and craftsmanship—qualities that have earned him critical acclaim and a place among leading voices shaping the future of art in America.



“This is more than a flag—it’s a fabric of dreams, struggle, and hope,” said Mateo Blanco. “It belongs not to one nation, but to all who believe in a stronger, united future.”

Blanco’s works have been exhibited and collected by major institutions including the Smithsonian-affiliated Butler Institute of American Art, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, and the DeLand Museum of American Art. Known for transforming everyday materials—textiles, Cheetos, feathers, and even Legos—into profound visual statements, Blanco’s art bridges popular culture and fine art, exploring themes of freedom, identity, and the shared human experience. Critics have described his work as “a vivid dialogue between emotion and innovation” and “a contemporary testament to the American spirit.”

Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice represents a historic moment for collectors and curators alike: a museum-proven, institutionally exhibited work by one of America’s most visionary contemporary artists entering public auction for the first time.

Blanco’s imaginative catalog of works, whether flags woven from textiles or sculpted from unconventional media like Cheetos and Legos, embodies the innovative spirit we value. We’re proud to present his first Flag Series appearance on the secondary market." - Rico Baca, Auctioneer, Palm Beach Modern Auctions.


Photo Credit: Palm Beach Modern Auctions.