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Hank Willis Thomas, known for his incisive exploration of the commodification of Black male identity in American society, is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice encompasses photography, sculpture, textile, installation, and more. Through his thought-provoking works, Thomas delves into the realms of media representations and social justice, challenging viewers to confront issues of race and consumer culture.

One of his notable series, “Branded,” features digitally manipulated images where a scarred Nike logo is imposed on a Black model, highlighting the intersection of branding and identity. In contrast, “Unbranded” sees Thomas stripping away texts and logos from advertisements, inviting viewers to reconsider the messages embedded in commercial imagery. In a powerful project titled “The Writing on the Wall” (2020), Thomas projected writings from incarcerated individuals onto the exteriors of criminal justice buildings in Manhattan, shedding light on the voices of those often marginalized in society.

Educated at New York University and California College of the Arts, where he pursued a dual MA and MFA in visual criticism and photography, Thomas has exhibited his work extensively in major cities worldwide, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Milan, Brussels, São Paulo, Berlin, and Paris. His compelling creations can be found in esteemed collections such as the Brooklyn Museum, the Hong Kong Arts Centre, the Museum of Modern Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Hank Willis Thomas is a co-founder of For Freedoms, an organization dedicated to fostering civic engagement through impactful public initiatives. Through his art and advocacy, Thomas continues to provoke meaningful conversations about representation, power, and social change in contemporary society.