Exhibition Review
“Four Freedoms:” Then and Now
A Review of Hank Willis Thomas’ and Eric Gottesman’s Social Commentary Through Art
In September 2018, Hank Thomas and Eric Gottesman called upon over 300 artists and 200 institutional partners to execute their 50 state initiative — representing American civic life. Thomas and Gottesman compiled all the works created by their contributors in order to provide social commentary leading up to the 2018 mid-term elections in the States. For Freedoms’ creators set out with the goal to use each and every one of their exhibitions, installations, public programs, and pieces to encourage public discourse regarding civic issues. Advocating for equality, dialogue, and civic participation is what many of us can take away from Thomas’ and Gottesman’s work.
Founded in 2016, “For Freedoms: Where Do We Go From Here” is a visual project that investigates civil life in the United States of America. The exhibition is centered around photographs that reinvent the original works of Norman Rockwell’s, “Four Freedoms” — depicting freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear, as articulated by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 State of the Union address.
The modern replications of Rockwell’s paintings, primarily, display the increased diversity within our society. The exhibition explores how far the nation has come, as well as where it still needs to go socially, politically, and economically. Onlookers are able to visually identify the social changes that have positively impacted American life. Simultaneously, we are also presented with images of the current political unrest that affects the same American life. Viewers are confronted with how our social lives and political climates are changing; we are prompted to consider what “freedom” means and what we are willing to do for our “freedoms.”
If nothing else, this exhibition raises awareness. The project utilizes billboards, posters, lawns signs etc. to depict both social/civil issues that are currently in the spotlight, along with the issues that haven’t received much publicity. For instance, the main photographs reinvented Rockwell’s initial vision regarding American life, by showcasing much more racial, sexual, and religious diversity. Rockwell painted the “Four Freedoms” around white, heterosexual, men. While “Four Freedoms: Where Do We Go From Here?” stages the same scenes as the originals, but with individuals belonging to different genders, races, and religious affiliations.
Hank Willis Thomas’ and Eric Gottesman’s work, “For Freedoms: Where Do We Go From Here?” is confined to one large room on the sub-level of the International Center for Photography. The entire exhibition of photographs is displayed on either pure white or black walls. The room follows a very open floor plan, allowing the entire project to be visible to viewers as soon as they step down into the room. The minimalist design choices allow onlookers to take in each piece without any distractions. There is a clear start and end to the exhibition. The curators have arranged the works around the simple, open room allowing viewers to walk around the perimeter.
The wall-arrangement of the four photographs serving as the exhibitions foundation is extremely effective. They are the largest works in the room and are physical juxtaposed by the four original Rockwell paintings. The drastic changes in American social life from the 1940s to the present are undeniably obvious. Although, the placements for the remaining images are not as effective: many poignant images belonging to the same exhibition are printed much smaller and confined to a single wall. Therefore, images highlighting Deaf culture rights, environmental issues, north and south American equality, etc. are not given the same physical space to allow onlookers to appreciate their messages. Curators may want to consider reserving a larger space for future exhibitions in order to provide the necessary space for all photographs to be properly displayed.
Regardless of the minor curatorial issues, “For Freedoms: Where Do We Go From Here?” is a provocative collection of photographs. The exhibition provides crucial commentary on life in America. The display is viewer-friendly and the content is refreshing, considering the nation’s current political climate. The collection is a must-see for anyone looking to learn more about important social issues in America, as well as be inspired to become an active participant in social change.
