Hank Willis Thomas

Hank Willis Thomas

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

€650
Limited edition of 27456.2 (H) × 75.0 (W) cm

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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
Portrait of Hank Willis Thomas
Hank Willis Thomas3 collaborationsFor 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

  • Thanks again for great collaboration and looking forward to new projects and pieces for my collection.

  • this was an amazing experience with an amazing work as the result - thank you so much for all the assistance and for such a lovely purchase experience!!!

  • its wonderful. i love buying from you all.

  • Everything was great. Thanks!

  • The artwork is amazing, the quality of the printing is sublime, I am totally amazed, Thank you

  • Excellent quality and communication! excited to continue this relationship with Avant Arte and team, and explore more art

  • its a wonderful piece ! very happy

  • I’m really happy to add this piece to my collection. It’s always a pleasure working with you — thank you for making everything so smooth. Looking forward to hearing about more great works!


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