Comments on: Hank Willis Thomas http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292 Artist Submissions, New Artists, Submit Art Tue, 07 Sep 2010 14:34:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Rick http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-69712 Rick Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:27:51 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-69712 Inmature approach to a serious issue and to art. Inmature approach to a serious issue and to art.

]]> By: Steve L. http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-69683 Steve L. Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:58:32 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-69683 Visit the artist's site - the rest of his work in this vein makes his point much better than this one, and taken as a whole it is a very powerful statement. I'll share it with others, for sure. Visit the artist’s site – the rest of his work in this vein makes his point much better than this one, and taken as a whole it is a very powerful statement. I’ll share it with others, for sure.

]]> By: Tanya Vudler Casale http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-69677 Tanya Vudler Casale Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:18:36 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-69677 In many ways Art is defined by pushing limits, provoking thoughts out of the box, even shocking. Throughout history notable artists shattered the acceptable notions of what was suitable. In this case the negative comments attest to the above as well as to the commentators' personal sensitivities. I find the premise interesting, pointed, and necessary.I applaud the idea and its execution! In many ways Art is defined by pushing limits, provoking thoughts out of the box, even shocking. Throughout history notable artists shattered the acceptable notions of what was suitable. In this case the negative comments attest to the above as well as to the commentators’ personal sensitivities. I find the premise interesting, pointed, and necessary.I applaud the idea and its execution!

]]> By: vintagevinyl68 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-67954 vintagevinyl68 Tue, 15 Jun 2010 01:52:07 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-67954 Eh. Not art in my opinion, but it's interesting on how controversial it is. Eh. Not art in my opinion, but it’s interesting on how controversial it is.

]]> By: Lex http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-42473 Lex Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:09:29 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42473 I love art that puts the message directly out there instead of making you stare at it thinking "What the hell?...". Very nice. I love art that puts the message directly out there instead of making you stare at it thinking “What the hell?…”. Very nice.

]]> By: Alice http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-42444 Alice Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:57:53 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42444 I get what you are saying & applaud the message, find the Mastercard logo a bit cheezy. Lived in NYC for 25+ years & it is appalling how once you move out, you find everyone so pro gun rights and totally not understanding. I'm 50 yo & waiting for the day that nobody notices race or gender, and that day is approaching slowly. I assume you are African-Amer & so support your choice to explore slavery, however, I have to say, that I also look forward to the day when people understand that slavery is an abomination visited on many races over time, when more emphasis is placed on the idea that holocaust-type exterminations happened to many races & is a crime against humanity in general, & please remember that the vast majority of people in the US now did not have ancestors in the US at the time slavery took place. None of us should forget any of these things, and none of us should allow them to exist, just I hope one day it is taught as an overall philosophy that cannot be condoned and not as individual atrocities visited on one race alone. Good luck! I get what you are saying & applaud the message, find the Mastercard logo a bit cheezy. Lived in NYC for 25+ years & it is appalling how once you move out, you find everyone so pro gun rights and totally not understanding. I’m 50 yo & waiting for the day that nobody notices race or gender, and that day is approaching slowly. I assume you are African-Amer & so support your choice to explore slavery, however, I have to say, that I also look forward to the day when people understand that slavery is an abomination visited on many races over time, when more emphasis is placed on the idea that holocaust-type exterminations happened to many races & is a crime against humanity in general, & please remember that the vast majority of people in the US now did not have ancestors in the US at the time slavery took place. None of us should forget any of these things, and none of us should allow them to exist, just I hope one day it is taught as an overall philosophy that cannot be condoned and not as individual atrocities visited on one race alone. Good luck!

]]> By: Jon http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-42439 Jon Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:30:24 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42439 It's not in bad taste, that's a ridiculous "critique" of any art. The problem is that it's not in "bad taste" enough. Comments that it's shocking and abrasive...really? It's all pretty obvious and too...easy I'd say. It's either trying to comment on a change that needs to be made, in which case it needs to find something much more unexpected or it's trying to comment on how weak the current attempts to do that are, in which case it needs to be much more layered. Get the audience participating, no one learns/discovers if they don't have to think. It’s not in bad taste, that’s a ridiculous “critique” of any art. The problem is that it’s not in “bad taste” enough. Comments that it’s shocking and abrasive…really? It’s all pretty obvious and too…easy I’d say. It’s either trying to comment on a change that needs to be made, in which case it needs to find something much more unexpected or it’s trying to comment on how weak the current attempts to do that are, in which case it needs to be much more layered.

Get the audience participating, no one learns/discovers if they don’t have to think.

]]> By: dryrain http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-42437 dryrain Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:42:51 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42437 This artwork portrays a forced message. I do believe, however, that you should use the brilliant creativity, such as in the bullets bottle, in more of your work. This artwork portrays a forced message. I do believe, however, that you should use the brilliant creativity, such as in the bullets bottle, in more of your work.

]]> By: Eric http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=5#comment-42435 Eric Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:25:21 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42435 Intense commentary and VERY well done. It moved me deeply and I hope to see more work from you. Intense commentary and VERY well done. It moved me deeply and I hope to see more work from you.

]]> By: Johnny http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42428 Johnny Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:31:39 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42428 I like the absolute bottle of bullets a lot, but the master card photo is very unoriginal. I like the absolute bottle of bullets a lot, but the master card photo is very unoriginal.

]]> By: D. Pocock http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42427 D. Pocock Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:48:46 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42427 Good design helps an idea get across and bad design is anything that interferes with that idea. The first piece is extremely weak. Numerous typographical errors make the type, which this piece relies on, illegible. The concept is also poor and unrefined. Artists cannot rely only on being bold to make art. Good design helps an idea get across and bad design is anything that interferes with that idea. The first piece is extremely weak. Numerous typographical errors make the type, which this piece relies on, illegible. The concept is also poor and unrefined. Artists cannot rely only on being bold to make art.

]]> By: Nicole http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42426 Nicole Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:44:50 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42426 I agree that the message(s) in the B(r)anded series seem less than unified. Some speak strongly to the connection between sports brands and black culture, while others are unnecessarily muddled. (i.e. the Absolut ads - What does vodka have to do with slavery? Rum, I could see. Maybe this betrays my unfamiliarity with the drink...) Also, the slavery imagery seems a bit heavy-handed. Is basketball really equivalent to slavery? Does the game "keep a man down?" I think the Nike scars are very interesting as they play off the idea of the basketball player as warrior/gladiator as well as hero as well as slave/sacrifice. These are much more thought provoking that the other images to me. The Unbranded series is offensive to me as are similar images of white people (especially women) from the era. I realize it may be the artist's attention to bring this offensive nature to light. However, merely removing the brand names does not seem to go far enough in appropriating the image. It seems too much like plagiarism and does not go on to make a statement about the propaganda itself. By not pushing the image beyond its original existence, I feel the artist is only further promulgating the original message. Though I do feel this work has potential potency, I agree with others' comments about its lack of focus. It does seem more like the work of an undergrad rather than an MFA graduate from Cal Arts. Mr. Thomas, I think you would do yourself a favor to limit the number of works you exhibit on your website in order to concentrate your message. You are obviously making important work as the strong responses here show. Keep it up! I agree that the message(s) in the B(r)anded series seem less than unified. Some speak strongly to the connection between sports brands and black culture, while others are unnecessarily muddled. (i.e. the Absolut ads – What does vodka have to do with slavery? Rum, I could see. Maybe this betrays my unfamiliarity with the drink…) Also, the slavery imagery seems a bit heavy-handed. Is basketball really equivalent to slavery? Does the game “keep a man down?” I think the Nike scars are very interesting as they play off the idea of the basketball player as warrior/gladiator as well as hero as well as slave/sacrifice. These are much more thought provoking that the other images to me.

The Unbranded series is offensive to me as are similar images of white people (especially women) from the era. I realize it may be the artist’s attention to bring this offensive nature to light. However, merely removing the brand names does not seem to go far enough in appropriating the image. It seems too much like plagiarism and does not go on to make a statement about the propaganda itself. By not pushing the image beyond its original existence, I feel the artist is only further promulgating the original message.

Though I do feel this work has potential potency, I agree with others’ comments about its lack of focus. It does seem more like the work of an undergrad rather than an MFA graduate from Cal Arts. Mr. Thomas, I think you would do yourself a favor to limit the number of works you exhibit on your website in order to concentrate your message. You are obviously making important work as the strong responses here show. Keep it up!

]]> By: Dave http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42425 Dave Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:18:03 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42425 A work of art needs to stand by itself and be critiqued in and of itself. It will also elicit different emotions from different viewers. For me, I find a poorly conceived commentary on the effects violence has on those who survive. I feel the work would have been stronger if the artist had done a little research into what things cost. I also despise plagiarism, which this so obviously is. It's just so incredibly pedestrian. BTW, Google "mastercard priceless lawsuit." MasterCard goes after such copyright infringement with a vengeance! A work of art needs to stand by itself and be critiqued in and of itself. It will also elicit different emotions from different viewers. For me, I find a poorly conceived commentary on the effects violence has on those who survive. I feel the work would have been stronger if the artist had done a little research into what things cost. I also despise plagiarism, which this so obviously is. It’s just so incredibly pedestrian.

BTW, Google “mastercard priceless lawsuit.” MasterCard goes after such copyright infringement with a vengeance!

]]> By: emily http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42420 emily Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:48:47 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42420 This is very powerful imagery. You're concepts are very interesting. I understand your idea to take something we see everyday into consideration of a tragedy, however, i think your images are much more powerful than your words. I felt the bullets arranged in the shape of a wine bottle was much more thought provocative. Stick with the images. They make you think more than words. This is very powerful imagery. You’re concepts are very interesting. I understand your idea to take something we see everyday into consideration of a tragedy, however, i think your images are much more powerful than your words. I felt the bullets arranged in the shape of a wine bottle was much more thought provocative. Stick with the images. They make you think more than words.

]]> By: The K http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42419 The K Tue, 30 Jun 2009 21:11:28 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42419 I really like the powerful imagery. I think there may be too many that just can't get it. If people can't see the relationships then it is not your fault; you have shown them better than I can, perhaps as well as can be done. Keep up the good work. Rock on. We like it. K I really like the powerful imagery. I think there may be too many that just can’t get it. If people can’t see the relationships then it is not your fault; you have shown them better than I can, perhaps as well as can be done. Keep up the good work. Rock on. We like it.

K

]]> By: kathryn o http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42417 kathryn o Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:48:47 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42417 Wow... VERY powerful. Pretty, no. Beautiful, no. Artistic, hell yes. Can't say I "enjoyed" your site, Hank, but I'm so glad I went there. Remarkable images, especially when juxtaposed with actual marketing. There's nothing wrong with people not liking the art, happens all the time, but some of the comments here are just personal attacks... reactions that are very telling about those people. Keep up the good work. Wow… VERY powerful. Pretty, no. Beautiful, no. Artistic, hell yes. Can’t say I “enjoyed” your site, Hank, but I’m so glad I went there. Remarkable images, especially when juxtaposed with actual marketing.

There’s nothing wrong with people not liking the art, happens all the time, but some of the comments here are just personal attacks… reactions that are very telling about those people. Keep up the good work.

]]> By: isidra http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42415 isidra Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:12:53 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42415 wow! all these opinions are great its just a bit sad how people give their opinion...and view these pictures... good but i'm not understanding it... wow! all these opinions are great its just a bit sad how people give their opinion…and view these pictures… good but i’m not understanding it…

]]> By: Juliz http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42412 Juliz Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:05:54 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42412 "the mastercard/priceless thing makes a mockery of tragedy." No, it doesn't... it's just dark sarcasim. “the mastercard/priceless thing makes a mockery of tragedy.”
No, it doesn’t… it’s just dark sarcasim.

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=4#comment-42409 Rebecca Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:56:34 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42409 Maybe before putting down his use of the master card ad you should look at his web site and see that he has done many things with advertising and credit cards. Maybe before putting down his use of the master card ad you should look at his web site and see that he has done many things with advertising and credit cards.

]]> By: Gem http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42407 Gem Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:44:56 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42407 I like the "unbranded" section on your site. An unusual quantity of hostile comments today. Hank, I think your art is doing its job. Keep up the good work. I like the “unbranded” section on your site.

An unusual quantity of hostile comments today. Hank, I think your art is doing its job. Keep up the good work.

]]> By: E http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42403 E Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:35:53 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42403 The first image is pretty weak, I think, but go to the artists web site for a MUCH better representation of his work! The first image is pretty weak, I think, but go to the artists web site for a MUCH better representation of his work!

]]> By: Almost Hectic http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42399 Almost Hectic Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:51:21 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42399 Maybe instead of Master Card it should say Race Card? Maybe instead of Master Card it should say Race Card?

]]> By: ok.... http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42398 ok.... Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:34:41 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42398 i don't understand the second pic, but the first has some merit. i don’t understand the second pic, but the first has some merit.

]]> By: JOJO http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42397 JOJO Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:32:12 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42397 they wanted to get the attention, and they did a good job but picking a gasket for you dead son, come on.not a very good idea, I love MasterCard comercials but this is out of range... they wanted to get the attention, and they did a good job but picking a gasket for you dead son, come on.not a very good idea, I love MasterCard comercials but this is out of range…

]]> By: Lauren http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42395 Lauren Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:18:15 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42395 I'm not sure I understand what MasterCard has to do with this topic of cultural violence at all. I don't think it was a very good subject to parallel with the death of a son. In the most fundamental sense, it seems the artist is saying that the consumer of all of these goods used a MasterCard to purchase them? Sense that is what the advertising for the card means. Maybe I'm missing something... I’m not sure I understand what MasterCard has to do with this topic of cultural violence at all. I don’t think it was a very good subject to parallel with the death of a son. In the most fundamental sense, it seems the artist is saying that the consumer of all of these goods used a MasterCard to purchase them? Sense that is what the advertising for the card means.
Maybe I’m missing something…

]]> By: Kenji http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42393 Kenji Tue, 30 Jun 2009 18:05:10 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42393 I agree, maybe the artist could have taken a casket shot with those same taglines. But perhaps that would have been too easy and not enough of a challenge. I think that we agree that the piece gets close to the mark but it doesn't hit the bullseye. I agree, maybe the artist could have taken a casket shot with those same taglines. But perhaps that would have been too easy and not enough of a challenge. I think that we agree that the piece gets close to the mark but it doesn’t hit the bullseye.

]]> By: zac http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42390 zac Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:53:07 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42390 disappointing disappointing

]]> By: Rtisleo http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42387 Rtisleo Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:13:38 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42387 Hank- As an Man of Hue, on these Western Shores, in this day and age..."I TOTALLY GET THE GISTS!...I can personally, connect these IMAGES to life for HUEmans, in just bout any MAJOR CITY IN THE USA....Peace and LOVE. P.S. Continue to stir the pot as it is Boiling with Madness. Hank- As an Man of Hue, on these Western Shores, in this day and age…”I TOTALLY GET THE GISTS!…I can personally, connect these IMAGES to life for HUEmans, in just bout any MAJOR CITY IN THE USA….Peace and LOVE.

P.S. Continue to stir the pot as it is Boiling with Madness.

]]> By: Casey Shannon http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=3#comment-42385 Casey Shannon Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:25:27 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42385 Interesting concept and powerful thought provoking images. Interesting concept and powerful thought provoking images.

]]> By: Lisa http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42384 Lisa Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:22:07 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42384 Unimaginative. Boring. It's all been done before; I'm not impressed in the slightest. Artist obviously prefers Microsoft "paint" versus using a decent photo editor. Also, I'm fairly certain the cents sign comes after the number. Unless, using it incorrectly is a statement you're trying to make about this particular culture... Unimaginative. Boring. It’s all been done before; I’m not impressed in the slightest. Artist obviously prefers Microsoft “paint” versus using a decent photo editor. Also, I’m fairly certain the cents sign comes after the number. Unless, using it incorrectly is a statement you’re trying to make about this particular culture…

]]> By: John http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42383 John Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:20:46 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42383 This, in my mind, is exactly what art should be. It is provocative, it slaps you out of your daily routine and makes you take notice, it does so in a way that challenges how you perceive the world. It has value. Of what value is a still life compared to a piece like this? Art isn't always pretty because life isn't always pretty but art must always be honest (otherwise it's propaganda). This piece slaps you to attention much the same way Kevin Carter's infamous photo did, however, the commentary on Mr. Thomas' behalf takes it to another level. I would invite fans (of which I now count myself) and critics alike to visit Hank's website. His inspiration came from losing his brother Songha "over a chain". Is it the $400 chain referenced in the featured piece? Is this Hank's family mourning the loss of his brother? That I cannot answer. I do, however, know that Hank's message comes through loud and clear. This, in my mind, is exactly what art should be. It is provocative, it slaps you out of your daily routine and makes you take notice, it does so in a way that challenges how you perceive the world. It has value. Of what value is a still life compared to a piece like this?
Art isn’t always pretty because life isn’t always pretty but art must always be honest (otherwise it’s propaganda).
This piece slaps you to attention much the same way Kevin Carter’s infamous photo did, however, the commentary on Mr. Thomas’ behalf takes it to another level.
I would invite fans (of which I now count myself) and critics alike to visit Hank’s website. His inspiration came from losing his brother Songha “over a chain”. Is it the $400 chain referenced in the featured piece? Is this Hank’s family mourning the loss of his brother? That I cannot answer.
I do, however, know that Hank’s message comes through loud and clear.

]]> By: Angi http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42381 Angi Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:35:32 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42381 very powerful images - messages cut right to the core. be sure to check out his site for full effect. I sure hope Mr. Thomas doesn't allow some of the petty bickering and picking apart to discourage him from his work. very powerful images – messages cut right to the core. be sure to check out his site for full effect. I sure hope Mr. Thomas doesn’t allow some of the petty bickering and picking apart to discourage him from his work.

]]> By: James http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42380 James Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:27:39 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42380 I actually enjoy the darkest of humor, especially when applied to making a point. But I really feel that something is off target on the first one. I think the gesture of using a real family's grief for satire is demeaning enough that requires a major pay off. However, the MasterCard campaigns (while tedious) have never struck me as particularly racist or predatory. They've also been parodied constantly for 10 years already, so that lowers the bang for this family's tragic buck. I actually enjoy the darkest of humor, especially when applied to making a point. But I really feel that something is off target on the first one. I think the gesture of using a real family’s grief for satire is demeaning enough that requires a major pay off. However, the MasterCard campaigns (while tedious) have never struck me as particularly racist or predatory. They’ve also been parodied constantly for 10 years already, so that lowers the bang for this family’s tragic buck.

]]> By: Sierra http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42376 Sierra Tue, 30 Jun 2009 15:00:55 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42376 I agree.We are all just to stupid to hear the truth and see it for what it really is I agree.We are all just to stupid to hear the truth and see it for what it really is

]]> By: simon http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42375 simon Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:56:55 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42375 This is not a black thing, Nike. It's not in "poor taste" because people can't deal with the truth of urban violence. It's in poor taste because the mastercard/priceless thing makes a mockery of tragedy. This is not a black thing, Nike. It’s not in “poor taste” because people can’t deal with the truth of urban violence. It’s in poor taste because the mastercard/priceless thing makes a mockery of tragedy.

]]> By: Ali http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42374 Ali Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:52:55 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42374 I think I understand what the artist is trying to say with this piece, and though there is the potential for the intense emotion of naked truth to come through, this one just misses the mark. It's almost there, but the piece lacks balance, which I think it needs in order to really drive the artist's point home. I think I understand what the artist is trying to say with this piece, and though there is the potential for the intense emotion of naked truth to come through, this one just misses the mark. It’s almost there, but the piece lacks balance, which I think it needs in order to really drive the artist’s point home.

]]> By: DC3971 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42373 DC3971 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:49:09 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42373 Using the term priceless takes away from the photo and the message i believe he is trying to send. Maybe go with "senseless" instead. Using the term priceless takes away from the photo and the message i believe he is trying to send. Maybe go with “senseless” instead.

]]> By: Liz http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42372 Liz Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:46:55 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42372 I feel the message the artist is displaying is powerful. But I do feel it's lacking something. There is nothing beautiful about crime, but the art work itself is aesthetically not pleasing to the eye. I agree the word placement and some of the choices of wording are a little poor. This image looks like it was made on a paint program... insert image, copy, paste, and "wa-la it's finished." *** just wondering... where can I find a 9mm for just $80.00. Even a stolen one with a scratched off serial number can go for $250.00+ I feel the message the artist is displaying is powerful. But I do feel it’s lacking something. There is nothing beautiful about crime, but the art work itself is aesthetically not pleasing to the eye. I agree the word placement and some of the choices of wording are a little poor. This image looks like it was made on a paint program… insert image, copy, paste, and “wa-la it’s finished.”
*** just wondering… where can I find a 9mm for just $80.00. Even a stolen one with a scratched off serial number can go for $250.00+

]]> By: Nike http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=2#comment-42368 Nike Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:21 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42368 Read any news paper where the crime and or victim is black. Scroll down to the reader comments and many of the same people who think the first piece is in poor taste, will leave comments similar to first piece. Hank, that is a powerful piece...continue to display (speak) truth to power Read any news paper where the crime and or victim is black. Scroll down to the reader comments and many of the same people who think the first piece is in poor taste, will leave comments similar to first piece. Hank, that is a powerful piece…continue to display (speak) truth to power

]]> By: Almost Hectic http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42367 Almost Hectic Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:56:48 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42367 This may be thought provoking and controversial. But it is not art in my opinion and shows no skill. Without a visit to the artists site I would guess its student work. This may be thought provoking and controversial. But it is not art in my opinion and shows no skill. Without a visit to the artists site I would guess its student work.

]]> By: Mista Grose http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42366 Mista Grose Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:54:47 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42366 Lacking in execution is a good way to describe the first piece. There's definitely potential value in the actual photograph, but the text seems placed poorly and the whole "Picking the perfect casket for your son: Priceless" is both shocking and a bit confusing. Its abrasiveness pushes the viewer in a wrong direction. Just an amateur observation by another matt g. Lacking in execution is a good way to describe the first piece. There’s definitely potential value in the actual photograph, but the text seems placed poorly and the whole “Picking the perfect casket for your son: Priceless” is both shocking and a bit confusing. Its abrasiveness pushes the viewer in a wrong direction. Just an amateur observation by another matt g.

]]> By: Sarah http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42365 Sarah Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:52:39 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42365 Not impressed in the slightest; very poor taste. I fail to make a satisfying connection between the elements you describe. Not impressed in the slightest; very poor taste. I fail to make a satisfying connection between the elements you describe.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42364 Anonymous Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:51:10 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42364 Exactly, thank you jon. Come on people Hankâ??s work is very powerful. This is society, it may not be the pretty side of things but we canâ??t bury our heads in the sand and wish it away. Bringing these issues to the forefront is the best way to deal with it. Iâ??m proud of artist a day for stepping outside of peopleâ??s comfort zone to highlight Hank and his work. Exactly, thank you jon. Come on people Hankâ??s work is very powerful. This is society, it may not be the pretty side of things but we canâ??t bury our heads in the sand and wish it away. Bringing these issues to the forefront is the best way to deal with it. Iâ??m proud of artist a day for stepping outside of peopleâ??s comfort zone to highlight Hank and his work.

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42361 Rebecca Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:47:02 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42361 I love it! I know the top picture is a scene that has played in my mind before. We need more people who are daring enough to say what the rest of us are thinking. Good job, Keep it up. I also looked at you web site, great work, really makes you think. Thank you. I love it! I know the top picture is a scene that has played in my mind before. We need more people who are daring enough to say what the rest of us are thinking. Good job, Keep it up. I also looked at you web site, great work, really makes you think. Thank you.

]]> By: jon http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42360 jon Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:45:58 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42360 The people that say this is done in bad taste can't handle the truth- This is the society we live in-deal with or help change it. God forbid an artist depicting the truth. The people that say this is done in bad taste can’t handle the truth- This is the society we live in-deal with or help change it. God forbid an artist depicting the truth.

]]> By: marc http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42358 marc Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:25:40 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42358 How sad and done with SUCH BAD TASTE. You should be ashamed of yourself calling a depiction like this art. How sad and done with SUCH BAD TASTE. You should be ashamed of yourself calling a depiction like this art.

]]> By: mattgreermusic http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42357 mattgreermusic Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:09:52 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42357 I see what you're getting at and I believe your methods can be affective. However, I think the top image is just in poor taste. I don't need the "priceless" ad (which isn't that some sort of copywrite infringement) to understand the story being told. I hope your work gets people to think.. I really do, but the execution is somewhat lacking. Peace, matt g I see what you’re getting at and I believe your methods can be affective. However, I think the top image is just in poor taste. I don’t need the “priceless” ad (which isn’t that some sort of copywrite infringement) to understand the story being told. I hope your work gets people to think.. I really do, but the execution is somewhat lacking. Peace, matt g

]]> By: Sean Shurbet http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42348 Sean Shurbet Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:20:51 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42348 Wow, I like the message and wish we lived in a society that had not such problems. Wow, I like the message and wish we lived in a society that had not such problems.

]]> By: Sharon http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292&cpage=1#comment-42342 Sharon Tue, 30 Jun 2009 07:19:15 +0000 http://www.artistaday.com/?p=4292#comment-42342 I am interested, too. I am interested, too.

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