By Stephen Fredericks

Medium: Serigraph
Edition: unknown
Image Size: 24 × 15.5 inches
Signed by the artist

Real ID is a provocative commentary on identity, surveillance, and the erosion of civil liberties in modern America. The artwork transforms the American flag into a barcode, merging the stars and stripes with symbols of commodification and control. The bold text “REAL ID” references federal identification laws, which critics argue represent a shift toward increased government monitoring and reduced personal privacy. By integrating a Social Security-like number at the bottom and using stark black and red contrasts, Fredericks suggests a dystopian vision where individuality is reduced to data and democracy is undermined by state overreach. Fredericks challenges viewers to question how far society is willing to trade freedom for security.