Hank Willis Thomas's Art Basel sculpture mirrors Armando Lulaj's 2011 work
At Art Basel 2023, Hank Willis Thomas presented 'Duality (Reflection)', a stainless steel sculpture of an arm making a peace sign, part of the Parcours section's 26 site-specific projects under the theme 'Word of Mouth'. The work closely resembles Armando Lulaj's 2011 piece 'Us, (B)', sharing the same arm gesture, hand position, and medium, differing only in size. Thomas described his piece as exploring multiple perspectives, where the gesture can signify peace, victory, offense, or a number. The similarity has sparked discussions about artistic originality and influence.
Key facts
- Hank Willis Thomas showed 'Duality (Reflection)' at Art Basel 2023 in the Parcours section.
- The sculpture is a stainless steel arm with fingers forming a 'V' sign.
- It was one of 26 site-specific projects under the theme 'Word of Mouth'.
- The work closely resembles Armando Lulaj's 'Us, (B)' from 2011.
- Both works share the same arm, hand position, and medium, differing only in size.
- Thomas said the gesture can be seen as peace, victory, offensive, or a number depending on perspective.
- Art Basel 2023 was the latest edition of the fair in Basel, Switzerland.
- Hank Willis Thomas is an African American artist born in Brooklyn in 1976.
Entities
Artists
- Hank Willis Thomas
- Armando Lulaj
Institutions
- Art Basel
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Brooklyn
- Tirana