Fragile, Democracy, Handle with Care - 14/50

HANK WILLIS THOMAS
Fragile, Democracy, Handle with Care, 2024
40.25 x 30.75 inches framed in white wood with OP3 Plexiglass
Silkscreen print on paper
Limited edition 14 of 50 unique variations
All prints signed and numbered by the artist 

Hank Willis Thomas reinterprets familiar symbols, placing them in new contexts to evoke deeper meanings. The “Fragile, Handle with Care” labels, usually found affixed on packages and used primarily for transportation, remind us of the delicate nature of the object(s) they protect. Thomas’ silkscreen print, however, prompts us to consider the fragility of democracy and our collective well-being, underscoring the extreme care required to preserve it. 

With its monochromatic undertone, imprinted text and partially faded lettering, combined with its smeared appearance, Fragile, Democracy, Handle with Care, serves to remind individuals of the ongoing and historical importance in protecting our democratic rights. The print also serves as a call to action: a stark reminder of the fragile state of today’s democracy, urging us to handle it with extreme vigilance. 
Conceived as an edition of 50, with each print offering a unique colour and mark making variation, Edition 1 achieved $18,000 as part of the auction in support of the fundraising initiative Artists for Kamala and was featured on the cover of the New York Times Sunday Opinion Section on November 3, 2024. A portion of proceeds benefit For Freedoms.

PLEASE NOTE: 

• Framed prints ship within 4-6 weeks.
• International customers are responsible for all duties, taxes, and VAT fees.