15 Dec 2025

Ali Syverson Paints the Unraveling

I remember I wrote in my journal, "Democracy died today."

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Ali Syverson never considered working for the US Agency for International Development (USAID) before she applied for a position in climate and environmental communication, but after spending the first half of her career in corporate social responsibility she knew she wanted to work in the public sector. When Ali moved from the private sector in early 2020, she worried about the stereotypes of “lazy government workers." Instead, she found extremely hard-working colleagues and a fast-paced, caring agency diligently providing humanitarian and development assistance around the world. That all came unraveled in 2025. With USAID decimated, Ali turned to her art and reflected on the near collapse of the foreign aid industry.

Painting called "The Purge" hung on wall with chainsaw chains. — *The Purge:* After the new administration was announced in November 2024, Ali felt the need to expel her visceral feelings and created *The Purge* using her body to move paint around the canvas.

Destruction

After the November 2024 elections, Ali and her colleagues knew their days were numbered; they had all read Project 2025. Even with this knowledge, none of them were prepared for how quickly the new administration would dismantle and destroy the agency. Two weeks into the administration, all of USAID’s websites were removed from the internet. By the end of February, most USAID employees received Reduction in Force notices, including Ali who had decided to take the Deferred Resignation (aka, the Fork in in the Road). Ali lived in a heightened state of anxiety for the first two months of 2025, and used her art to commemorate all that had been lost.

Painting called "Nigüelas No2" featuring a red moped on a Spanish cobblestone street. — *Nigüelas No2:* One of the many paintings Ali created while in Spain

Rest

In the aftermath of the destruction, Ali needed to pause and take a breath. Ali knew she wanted to focus on her art for the rest of the year, but she needed time to release herself from the constant ‘fight or flight’ of the first two months of 2025. After moving out of DC, Ali spent 40 days in Spain resting and resetting. Ali spent every day outside painting, reflecting on all that had been lost, reconnecting with herself, and focusing on how to approach the future.

Painting called "Return to Our Roots" featuring intertwined hands and natural elements. — *Return to Our Roots*: Intertwined natural ecosystems symbolize strengthened communities brought together through a system of mutual aid.

Rooting

While healing, Ali painted From the American People, a celebration and commemoration of USAID’s sixty years of global humanitarian work. After returning from Spain, Ali sold hundreds of prints to help displaced USAID workers. Ali raised over $15k, which was donated to a mutual aid organization and used to pay rent for at least six returning families.

Although Ali’s job as a climate and environmental writer is gone, Ali's voice is still deeply rooted in the relationships she made and programs she helped. Using her art as her platform, Ali has brought the story of USAID’s destruction to people across the country, including a solo exhibition at the Warehouse Arts District in St. Petersburg, Florida. Ali’s art was also featured at the Don't Look Now exhibition in New York City alongside other artists who were censored this year.

Painting called "Phoenix" in swirling shades of red and orange. — *Phoenix:* Just like a Phoenix, we can all rise from the ashes and grow anew.

Regrowth

Ali may have lost her dream job at USAID, but she did not lose her dreams. Ali is using her experiences to rebuild and start anew. She is now taking time to create art every day in her new home studio in Minnesota, while also settling into her new job in the arts as the Communications Director for Minnesota Humanities.

Check out Ali's art on her website, and follow her story on Instagram.

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