The photo essay, “Tattered,” investigates the desecration of the American flag in the context of the U.S. Flag Code. It will be on display at The Galleries at One Washington Center until Aug. 30.

Butler focused on the project as his thesis at Montserrat College of Art and has spent the last five years intermittently traveling the country to continue photographing this extensive undertaking. He became interested in the use of the flag after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, when many Americans responded to terrorism by expressing unity with the flag.

“The flag is recognized all over the world,” Butler said. “It’s the symbol we recognize ourselves with.”

As a former Cub Scout, Butler saw that some patriotic flag use is in fact against the law. He described this as confusion, resulting in an identity crisis of sorts. He now has thousands of examples photographed, including about 40 he has selected to show.

One of the photos is of a flag burning with a dark background at a ceremony for the disposal of unserviceable flags in Exeter. Though this is one of the only photos he has of proper flag treatment, Butler said he gets negative reactions to it from people who think it is unpatriotic.       

“Our patriotism is very complex,” Butler said. “I wanted to find out what is going on in America and show America to itself, in a way.” He said the photos help him understand where the country is in terms of world events and political leadership, but also in general.

Butler’s vision contributed to two independent, free magazines that were born in Vermont, like him. He was co-founder of the critically acclaimed Journal and photo editor for Eastern Edge, a magazine that represented the regional snowboard scene. However, he said, his new works aim for more universal themes. He plans to show the photo essay in a traveling exhibit and eventually in a book.

Seth Butler’s photography will be on display at The Galleries at One Washington Center, third floor of the Picker Building in Dover, through Aug. 30. For more information, visit www.dovermillarts.com.