Ed Ruscha's engagement with the American flag in his artwork has evolved significantly over the years, serving as a canvas for his reflections on national identity, political climate, and societal changes. Between 1985 and 1987, Ruscha began incorporating flags into his visual vocabulary, depicting them rippling in the breeze against dramatic backdrops of sunsets or blue skies, often accompanied by subtle warning cues, such as black bars resembling censor strips. This thematic exploration continued with variations such as OUR FLAG (2017), where the flag appears disintegrated into shreds against a near-black sky, symbolizing a nation in tatters​ (Gagosian)​.

The creation of OUR FLAG was driven by Ruscha's contemplation of the American condition in 2017, influenced by the political and social unrest of the time. Commissioned by music industry legend Jimmy Iovine, Ruscha was given the freedom to express his views on the state of America, resulting in a depiction of the flag as fragmented and scattered, reflecting a nation divided and in turmoil. This work stands as a stark departure from Ruscha's earlier, more optimistic representations of the flag, offering a candid commentary on the contemporary American landscape​ (Artnet News)​.

Ruscha's flag paintings are not merely aesthetic renditions but are imbued with deeper significance, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of patriotism, division, and the possibility of renewal. Through these works, Ruscha joins a broader conversation on the role of art in society, challenging viewers to consider the state of the nation and the power of visual symbols in articulating collective anxieties and aspirations​ (Gagosian)​​ (Artnet News)​.