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

Deborah Willis and her son Hank discuss their intertwined lives and careers in photography. They explore themes of love, family, and identity, highlighting Deborah's challenges in art school and her determination to succeed. Hank reflects on his upbringing surrounded by photography and his own artistic journey. The conversation emphasizes the power of images to tell stories and challenge perceptions, with a focus on black photographers and their contributions to history.

What is the main theme of the piece 'Sometimes I See Myself In You'?

• The symbiotic relationship between mother and son

• The challenges of growing up

• The history of photography

• The evolution of art

What did Deborah Willis learn from her family and community in North Philadelphia?

• The necessity of traveling

• The value of formal education

• The significance of storytelling through photography

• The importance of financial success

How did Deborah Willis respond to the gender discrimination she faced in art school?

• She stopped taking photographs

• She accepted the criticism

• She decided to change her career

• She was determined to prove her worth in photography

What realization did Hank Willis Thomas have about the photographs in his home?

• They were all in black and white

• They included images of people unknown to him and the world

• They depicted only family members

• They were all taken by famous photographers

What historical fact about African American photographers does Hank find astounding?

• They were not recognized until the 21st century

• They only photographed landscapes

• They were making photographs as early as 1840

• They started taking photographs in the 1900s

What inspired Hank Willis Thomas to explore identity through photography?

• His travels around the world

• His mother's research and books

• A famous art gallery

• A documentary he watched

What does Hank Willis Thomas aim to convey through his artistic work?

• The history of technology

• The beauty of nature

• The struggle for human rights and identity

• The importance of wealth

What does the phrase 'I am a man' signify in Hank's work?

• A declaration of independence

• A historical reference to ancient times

• A collective affirmation of humanity

• A statement of personal achievement

How does Hank Willis Thomas use historical images in his art?

• To create abstract paintings

• To discuss the past's presence in the present

• To depict fictional stories

• To focus solely on modern themes

What is the most powerful phrase according to the speakers?

• They are

• You are

• We are

• I am