A mural which draws attention to America's founding by immigrants has sparked debate about the Trump administration's border policies, and the artwork's creator says that's exactly what he hoped to achieve.
British artist Izaac Zevalking's piece came to light on a wall in downtown Las Vegas last month and has had tongue's wagging ever since.
"I am very happy that it has initiated so much conversation around the topic, that is the ultimate aim of all my art," he told SBS News.
The artwork shows a handcuffed Statue of Liberty slammed onto the bonnet of a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement vehicle.
The piece was installed before citizenship and immigration services director Ken Cuccinelli joked about an alteration to Emma Lazarus' sonnet which is inscribed on the statue.
Izaac Zevalking. Source: Facebook
Mr Zevalking's revised artwork as displayed in downtown Las Vegas. Source: Twitter/rakeempeebles
Mr Cuccinelli remarked the text should be changed to read “Give me your tired and your poor who can stand on their own two feet and who will not become a public charge.”
The White House has moved to play down the remark but Zevalking, who works under the pseudonym 'Recycled Propaganda', suggests his artwork could not have come at a better time.
Acting Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services Ken Cuccinelli. Source: AFP
"It did not surprise me that anyone within this administration would make such ill-informed and revisionist comments, it seems to be a trademark of this presidency," he told SBS News.
"I think America’s actions and comments give the green light to other countries to intensify their own immigration policies. Seeing as a considerable amount of global migration is a direct result of US and western intervention I think this is the exact opposite reaction that countries with 'moral high ground' should be having."
Mr Zevalking believes the piece should also act as inspiration for other artists to take up their political values.
"I view art as a powerful tool that can initiate conversation and promote change. In the world we live in it surprises me that more artists do not have a socially and politically relevant work."
