A Revolution of Values

I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values.

—Martin Luther King Jr., “Beyond Vietnam,” 1967

In April 1967, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his searing “Beyond Vietnam” speech declaring his opposition to the war in Vietnam. During the speech he named militarism, materialism, and racism as the “giant triplets” threatening American democracy, and called for nothing less than a “revolution of values.” 

Just days later, Dr. King led an anti-war march to the United Nations during which, for the first time, a group of Vietnam veterans marched under a banner declaring Vietnam Veterans Against the War. This public act of defiance marked the birth of one of the most radical anti-war organizations in US history, demonstrating that those trained for war could become some of its fiercest opponents. 

A Revolution of Values traces this lineage of resistance through the work of veteran artists who have turned away from militarism and toward solidarity. The exhibition opens with archival materials from Vietnam Veterans Against the War and goes on to feature contemporary veteran artists working in diverse mediums — from ceramics and sculpture to photography and video. Together, the artworks celebrate the range of ways veteran artists examine their military experiences, critique militarism, and make the radical turn Dr. King called for.

Featuring artists Drew Cameron, Ehren Tool, Brittney Chantele, Eric Perez, Eric J. Garcia, Gina Herrera and more, including selections from the Vietnam Veterans Against the War archive.