Hank Willis Thomas

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

€650

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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

Very pleased with the entire process.
Review of Actual Size
very happy with everything, the piece is better than I expected. Taking it to the framer next week :) thanks!
Review of Centrifuge
i appreciate the speedy delivery and all interaction regarding my purchase was efficient and pleasant.
Review of Laying in the Grass (Hand-finished)
The packaging is always good but this was superb. And the piece exceeded all expectations.
Review of Ugly Bastard
I am satisfied with the neat communication and wonderful packaging regarding the delivery of the work. Thank you.
Review of Sacred Connectedness
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
its a wonderful piece ! very happy
Review of Guardian
we appreciate the care taken in transport. Our piece was unframed but we appreciated how the packaging was done to protect it and also extras like the information on the art and the tote bag. We love the art work.
Review of Guardian

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