A mother and son united by love and art | Deborah Willis and Hank Willis Thomas

Summary

In a heartfelt conversation, mother-son duo Deborah and Hank Willis Thomas explore their deep connection through photography and storytelling. They reflect on love as an action and the power of images in shaping narratives around black identity and history. Deborah shares her journey as a photographer, overcoming sexism and striving to elevate the voices of black photographers. Hank highlights the legacy of their family's photographic passion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing historical contributions to photography. Together, they illustrate how personal and collective stories intertwine to affirm humanity and the significance of identity in art.

Takeaways

• ❤️ Love is portrayed as an action, emphasizing its importance in relationships and creative expression.
• 📸 The act of photography is deeply connected to identity, family, and cultural storytelling.
• 👩‍👦 The bond between Hank Willis Thomas and Deborah Willis highlights generational influence in art and passion.
• 🌍 Both speakers discuss the need for visibility and representation of black photographers in history.
• 💪 Deborah faced sexism in her career but used it as motivation to prove her worth and passion for photography.
• 📚 Deborah's published works document the history of black photographers, showcasing their contributions to the art form.
• 🤔 The dialogue reflects on the differences between collective identity ('I am a man') and individualism ('I am the man').
• 🖼️ Hank uses his art to engage with historical images, linking past struggles for rights with contemporary issues.
• 🌟 The speakers advocate for the importance of listening to the stories told by black photographers and their unique narratives.
• 🎉 The conversation concludes with the powerful assertion that each individual has the capacity to affirm their identity through love and creativity.

Q & A

What is the title of the piece created by Hank Willis Thomas and Deborah Willis?

The title of the piece is 'Sometimes I See Myself In You,' which explores their symbiotic relationship through life and work.

How does Deborah Willis define love in the context of photography?

Deborah Willis describes love as an action, not merely a feeling. She emphasizes that it is a way of being, doing, listening, and seeing.

What influenced Hank Willis Thomas's passion for photography?

Hank Willis Thomas's passion for photography was influenced by his mother, who was an avid photographer and instilled a love for photographs in him from an early age.

What childhood experience did Hank Willis Thomas mention about his grandmother's house?

Hank recalled that his grandmother would hide photo albums because she feared his questions about the photographs, such as who was in them and why they were in black and white.

What significant book did Deborah Willis discover at a young age that impacted her view of photography?

Deborah Willis discovered 'The Sweet Flypaper of Life' by Roy DeCarava and Langston Hughes, which inspired her to think about storytelling through photography.

What challenge did Deborah Willis face in art school, and how did she respond?

Deborah faced sexist remarks from a male professor who suggested she was taking a spot from a 'good man.' She responded by becoming determined to prove her worth as a photographer.

What important realization did Deborah have after her encounter with her professor?

Deborah realized that she didn't need to prove herself to her professor; instead, she needed to affirm her own belief in her capability as a photographer.

What does Hank Willis Thomas suggest about the connection between historical photographers and love?

Hank suggests that the motivation for historical African American photographers to create art was rooted in love, emphasizing the dedication and effort required to make photographs during a challenging time.

How does Hank describe the evolution of his mother's work in photography?

Hank describes how his mother published multiple books on black photographers, starting with 'Black Photographers, 1840-1940,' which highlighted the significant contributions of African American photographers throughout history.

What key message does the dialogue convey about identity and self-perception?

The dialogue conveys that the most powerful words in the English language are 'I am,' and that everyone has the capacity to love, which is central to their identities.