Black Power, 2008

Hank Willis Thomas (b. 1976, USA) is an American conceptual artist known for his powerful and thought-provoking works that explore themes of identity, race, history, and consumerism. His art spans various mediums, including photography, sculpture, and installation art, often incorporating elements of advertising and popular culture to critique social norms and historical narratives. Thomas is particularly recognized for his examination of the ways in which race and gender are represented in the media, using imagery that challenges viewers to confront the deep-seated biases embedded in society. His series "Unbranded" (2005-2008) and "Branded" (2003) are notable examples of his ability to deconstruct and repurpose commercial images to reveal the underlying ideologies they propagate. Thomas’s work has been widely exhibited in major institutions such as the Guggenheim Museum in New York and the Tate Modern in London, establishing him as a leading voice in contemporary art and social commentary. (Artist website)