* All images used with permission from artist. Please do not distribute without first contacting the artist.
About the “B(r)anded Series”:
The B(r)anded series is a result of an exploration, and subsequent appropriation of the language of advertising. By employing the ubiquitous language of advertising in my work, I am able to talk explicitly about race, class and history in a medium that almost everyone can decode. Much of the work focuses on the use of African American male body in advertisements. I am interested in the connection between this body type and the cotton and slave trade industries that brought this country so much wealth.
Next Artist: Julian Callos
Previous Artist: Elsa Mora
Sites talking about this artist
(Notes On) Politics, Theory & Photography: Reading Around
(Notes on) Politics, Theory & Photography. “What we need is a critique of visual culture that is alert to the power of images for good and evil and ...
Deadline June 1st: Daylight Magazine CDS Photo Awards
From the Daylight Magazine website: “Deadline Extended to June 1st, 2010 8PM EST! In recognition of our mutual interest in documentary and fine art ...
Greater New York @ PS 1/MOMA
from Greater New York 2005 PS1/MOMA © Nina Buesing Corvallo Greater New York 2010 May 23–October 18 Opening Day Celebration: Sunday, May 23, 12:00â...
New York Photo Festival Starts Now
Black Power by Hank Willis Thomas. The third annual New York Photo Festival (NYPH) Kicks off today! This year the festival features Aperture Presents...
Summer, Food & Friends
Summer is here! The Jasperinos had us over for brunch this weekend and it was lovely to sit in their garden. Blueberry Pancakes & Bellinis. Lecker! Th...
(Notes on) Politics, Theory & Photography. “What we need is a critique of visual culture that is alert to the power of images for good and evil and ...
Deadline June 1st: Daylight Magazine CDS Photo Awards
From the Daylight Magazine website: “Deadline Extended to June 1st, 2010 8PM EST! In recognition of our mutual interest in documentary and fine art ...
Greater New York @ PS 1/MOMA
from Greater New York 2005 PS1/MOMA © Nina Buesing Corvallo Greater New York 2010 May 23–October 18 Opening Day Celebration: Sunday, May 23, 12:00â...
New York Photo Festival Starts Now
Black Power by Hank Willis Thomas. The third annual New York Photo Festival (NYPH) Kicks off today! This year the festival features Aperture Presents...
Summer, Food & Friends
Summer is here! The Jasperinos had us over for brunch this weekend and it was lovely to sit in their garden. Blueberry Pancakes & Bellinis. Lecker! Th...
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.
Comment by Almost Hectic — June 30, 2009
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.
Comment by Mista Grose — June 30, 2009
Not impressed in the slightest; very poor taste. I fail to make a satisfying connection between the elements you describe.
Comment by Sarah — June 30, 2009
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.
Comment by Anonymous — June 30, 2009
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.
Comment by Rebecca — June 30, 2009
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.
Comment by jon — June 30, 2009
How sad and done with SUCH BAD TASTE. You should be ashamed of yourself calling a depiction like this art.
Comment by marc — June 30, 2009
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
Comment by mattgreermusic — June 30, 2009
Wow, I like the message and wish we lived in a society that had not such problems.
Comment by Sean Shurbet — June 30, 2009
I am interested, too.
Comment by Sharon — June 30, 2009