Let us demand more of ourselves than we believe we possess

Hank Willis Thomas
Let us demand more of ourselves than we believe we possess, 2023
Mixed media including contemporary African National flags
Unframed: 114.3 x 114.3 cm

The series of quilts reimagines the flags of the states of Africa as source material for Willis Thomas’ ongoing quilt practice. Significant national symbols and colours are fragmented and rearranged into new constellations, using the folkloric quilt patterns of the American Underground Railroad as a guide. The titles are drawn from famous speeches or quotes from various Pan-Africanist leaders. “ Let us now, as we plan for the coming year, set our GOALS too high; let us demand more of ourselves than we believe we possess.” Speech From The Throne Delivered By His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I On The Opening Day Of The Ethiopian Parliament On November 21st, 1963. This quilt draws on the Jacob's Ladder pattern, also referred to as the Road to California or Stepping Stones block, Underground Railway or Wagon Tracks block