Overall high-res, with flash. Image provided by artist's agency - not for public use.

Overall. Image provided by artist's agency - not for public use.

Until Ex parte Endo (Part 1)

Artist Hank Willis Thomas (American, born 1976)

Date2024

MediumInkjet print and applied media on retroreflective vinyl mounted on Dibond and decommissioned U.S. flag

DimensionsOverall: 79 × 61 3/4 × 7 1/2 inches (200.66 × 156.85 × 19.05 cm)
Mount: 77 1/4 × 48 inches (196.22 × 121.92 cm)
Framed: 78 1/2 × 49 1/4 × 2 1/2 inches (199.39 × 125.1 × 6.35 cm)
.2 (flag): 56 inches (142.24 cm)

Credit LinePurchase: acquired through the generosity of Ann Baum, Carol Hudson, Jackie Reses, Maurice Watson, Sandra and Willie Lawrence, Ward and Donna Katz, Gary and Debby Ballard, Irvin and Pamela Bishop, Devin W. Blackburn, Esq., Valerie Chow and Jon Gray, Mark and Gaye Cohen, Thomas Cohen and Lena Price, Bunni and Paul Copaken, Erica and Lorin Crenshaw, Stephen Figge, Daniel and Kristen Fromm, Bill and Christy Gautreaux, Jeffrey Goldstein and Kim Klein, Laura Greenbaum, John and Sharon Hoffman, Damian Lair, Eleanor and David Lisbon, Stephen and Mary Anne McDowell, Sheryll Myers, Kim and Nikki Newton, Barbara Nicely, Walter and Jon Porter, Rob and Doris Rogers, Heather and Clint Slusher, Matthew and Mandy Strange, Oscar and Ratana Tshibanda, Michael and Jamila Weaver, Jerry and Debbie Williams, Andy and Toma Wolff, Lynn Hoffman Carlton and Matt Hoffman, Tobias and Kristin Welo, and an Anonymous donor.

Object number2025.36.1,2

SignedA manufacturer’s tag is sewn to the front side of the header, near the top. It reads: “BEST” / 100% COTTON-BUNTING / VALLEY FORGE FLAG / COMPANY, INC. / SPRING CITY, PA / 19475. A double underline appears directly beneath the words “Company, Inc.” The double underline and “100% Cotton bunting” are printed in blue ink; all other text is printed in red ink.

On View

Not on view

Terms

DescriptionThis vertically oriented photographic and textile artwork depicts an obstructed image of what appears to be a black and white photo of children outside with a building structure behind them pledging allegiance to the flag, standing with their hands on their hearts. The children appear to be wearing clothing from an earlier time period, perhaps the 1940s. There are two American flags laid over the photo, and one is torn and upside down. The flags overlap one another. The artworks is activated by light, so when it is viewed in ambient light, the photographic image is very faint and almost indecipherable. When viewed under a light, the photograph becomes visible, and the American flag which is upright loses its color quality, and appears to be black and white, while the torn, upside down flag retains its blue and red colors.

Information about a particular artwork or image, including provenance information, is based upon historic information and may not be currently accurate or complete. Research on artwork and images is an ongoing process, and the information about a particular artwork or image may not reflect the most current information available to the Museum. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about a particular artwork or image, please e-mail provenance@nelson-atkins.org.