Hank Willis Thomas, If I could tell the story in words, 2013

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mounted digital c-prints and stained African Mahogany

121.285 x 121.92 x 9.2075 cm
47 3/4 x 48 x 3 5/8 in

The title “If I could tell the story in words” is a quote from Lewis Hine the original photographer who was a champion of human rights photography and one of...

The title “If I could tell the story in words” is a quote from Lewis Hine the original photographer who was a champion of human rights photography and one of the people credited for putting a face to stories of injustice in America. His photographs of mostly European descended child laborers greatly impacted the discourse on the rights of children and workers in general. He was one of the first people to use the camera for social documentary. The entire quote is “If I could tell the story in words, I wouldn’t need to lug around a camera.”

Hank Willis Thomas explains: “I am using this image that was taken of child laborers at what I believe to be a cotton mill in Alabama circa 1914. The image was sourced via the Library of congress. I am using it in the flag frames because it speaks to the greater human struggle towards liberation. These children were literally in the trenches fighting a battle at home as the country was preparing to fight one of its greatest battles abroad. I think the symbolism of the star speaks for itself. It is a memorial, testimony and document and indictment and commendation. The truth is that some of these people may still be living and their decedents definitely are. Their stories have probably been erased from family history. I think it’s about, race, class, ethics, history and who chooses to tell what stories and why, and more importantly, how we face the ones that are forgotten.”

Exhibitions

"The Archive" at the Pier 24 Photography Pilara Foundation from August 1, 2014 – May 31, 2015.

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Maruani Mercier

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Hank Willis Thomas United States, b. 1976

Exhibitions