Hank Willis Thomas

A Place to Call Home

In A Place to Call Home Hank Willis Thomas explores the complexities and contradictions inherent in the term “African American” by reimagining geographical boundaries. The artwork features a map where South America is replaced by the continent of Africa, envisioning a unified “homeland” that reflects the diasporic identity of black Americans. This provocative geographic construction challenges conventional notions of nationality and identity, highlighting the deep historical and cultural connections between Africa and its descendants in the Americas. By juxtaposing these continents, Willis Thomas invites viewers to consider the fragmented and multifaceted nature of African American identity. The piece addresses themes of belonging, heritage, and the lingering effects of displacement caused by the transatlantic slave trade. Through this imaginative reconfiguration, Willis Thomas emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and reconciling these complex histories in the ongoing quest for a cohesive cultural identity and a place to truly call home.