Hank Willis Thomas

I found this artist's work to be provocative and disturbing, yet an incredibly powerful and insightful tool for examining the stereotypes and reality for African Americans. The questions that were raised, What is Black? What is White? What is in the "frame"? What is out of the "frame"? can assist all of us in addressing our preconceptions about race and racism today and for our dreams for future generations. I think that we need to think not only about our own "frames", the one that defines our experiences and interpretations, but also engage in dialogue where others' frames are able to be heard and validated.
In addition to learning about the commodification of the African male identity and how advertising has informed a large body of his work, Mr. Thomas referenced some African American photographers whose work has impacted him. I have started to look into their work, as a way to understand and appreciate the African Diaspora better.....

The Sweet Flypaper of Life, photographs by Roy Decarava and written by Langston Hughes.
This is a book of portraits of African American families,that initially influenced Debra Willis to become a photographer/historian, the mother of Hank Willis Thomas.

Lorna Simpson, an amazing contemporary photographer.

Gordon Parks, an iconoclastic photographer/filmmaker, who passed away in 2006.
www.gordonparkscenter.org
www.time.com/time/photoessays/2006/gordon_parks/

Renee Cox, another amazing contemporary photographer.
www.reneecox.net