A small bronze sculpture of two open hands, palms upward, in Hank Willis Thomas’ show at Jack Shainman Gallery is physically small but conceptually huge. Last week, Davidson College in North Carolina dedicated a monumental, site-specific version of the sculpture by Thomas as a memorial to the enslaved individuals who labored on and built the institution in the 19th century. Other standout works in the show include quilt-like textile pieces featuring US flags and prison uniforms that suggest that the carceral state has become part of the fabric of the nation and screenprinted retroflective vinyl panels which reveal hidden images of protesters from various points in US history. (On view in Tribeca through Nov 1st).
