Hank Willis Thomas

"The only bond worth anything between human beings is their humanness."

€650

Time-limited edition

Edition of 274

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Experience the intensity of the 1936 Olympics in a new print from conceptual artist Hank Willis Thomas.

"The only bond worth anything between human beings is their humanness." explores the social and historical meaning of sport through the figure of Jesse Owens. The record breaking athlete launches at full power across the paper, racing in the 100 metre dash. He wears collaged clothing in red and doily patterned white. A blue background, also collaged, introduces the third colour of the American flag.

The print is based on a new original work by Hank Willis Thomas currently on view in Paris, the host city for the 2024 Olympics. To replicate the dynamic texture of the original, printmakers built up variable height in nine layers of UV cured ink

Athletes are more than people who run fast, jump long ways, throw balls. They symbolise the manifestation of our greatest hopes and dreams.
Hank Willis Thomas

Hank Willis Thomas

2 collaborations

For Hank Willis Thomas, art is a means to visualise a message. As the co-founder of For Freedoms, Thomas is widely known for his boundary-pushing public art projects and collaborative approach. Black history and social activism soak into many different mediums in his work, including sculpture, photography, appliqué, film and installation. Growing up as part of the “MTV generation” and as the son of photographer and art historian Deborah Willis, Thomas mixes pop culture references with archive research. Whatever the concept needs is the form the art will take. In Thomas’s own words: “I care more about ideas than medium”. His most cherished idea? Love. For Thomas, love is a form of social liberation – offering a radical tool for learning, healing and hope.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Fantastic work, fantastic customer experience
Review of Lost in Time
Extremely happy with the artwork but also the online insight to the production and interview with the artist. The shipping and packaging are very considered and I look forward to seeing ( & buying ) other pieces
Review of Guardian
Avant arte staffs are lovely. They always kindly help when I have problem or question.
Review of City Fountain
Excellent service, together with an exceptional work of art!
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
It's my 1st art piece and I love it! I wish I got it framed.
Review of Guardian
Absolutely gorgeous! I have admired Danielle McKinney's work and Shelter is exceptionally beautiful. The colors, the texture - I was delighted when I opened the box. The frame and floating presentation is also perfectly matched to the beauty of the piece. Also, well done on the shipping - it came thoroughly protected. Thank you!
Review of Shelter
everything in the communication has been pretty clear and fluid, the tracking before delivery was detailled and fast, the packaging was enought secured and the final artwork is incredible !
Review of B BOY JUSHI
I was lucky enough to have been invited to see the creation of this piece of work back in June and met the fantastic Miwa so seeing this print now is just fantastic. The colours are every bit as vibrant as the original.
Review of Sacred Connectedness

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