All Things Being Equal...
2020
Hank Willis Thomas
Portland Art Museum, Portland, OR
Press Release
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Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, AR
Press Release
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Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH
Context
I served as the Production and Project Manager for Hank Willis Thomas’s traveling retrospective exhibition All Things Being Equal..., showcased at multiple major institutions including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art; Portland Art Museum; and the Cincinnati Art Museum. The exhibition, featuring over 90 works across various media, explored themes related to racism, identity, and popular culture. Organized by the Portland Art Museum, this retrospective was co-curated by Julia Dolan, Ph.D., and Sara Krajewski.
The presenting sponsor was The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, with additional support from Adidas.
Responsibilities
My role encompassed comprehensive project management across all exhibition sites. I oversaw the production of new works, ensuring alignment with the artist’s vision while managing material sourcing and fabrication. Additionally, I coordinated the adaptation and seamless integration of existing pieces within each venue’s unique gallery spaces. Given the logistical demands of a traveling show, I managed the safe transportation, handling, and installation of artworks, while working closely with the artist, museum staff, and logistics teams to address site-specific challenges. My responsibilities also included liaising with sponsors and ensuring the exhibition maintained the highest artistic and operational standards across all location.
Outcome
The exhibition received significant critical acclaim for its exploration of timely social issues, with successful showings across all three major venues. The precise coordination and high-quality production contributed to a cohesive presentation that effectively conveyed the exhibition’s powerful themes. The project demonstrated my ability to manage complex, multi-site exhibitions with a focus on both artistic integrity and operational efficiency.
Installation Views
Portland Art Museum Virtual Walk-Through
LOVE RULESLOVE OVER RULESLOVERULESThe message that welcomes visitors through the Museum's main entrance increases in relevance every single day. Inspired by the words of his cousin Songha, Hank Willis Thomas created LOVERULES (2019) as a message of peace, resilience, and gratitude, though new meanings can be interpreted by any viewer.
In this virtual walk-through, Sara Krajewski, the Robert and Mercedes Eichholz Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art, and John Goodwin, Portland Art Museum's Major Gifts Officer, share the history of this piece, as well as its legacy, especially during a time of protest for racial justice just a few blocks from the Museum.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Virtual Walk-Through
Take a virtual tour through Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal..., the first comprehensive survey of the acclaimed and award-winning artist's career, led by Crystal Bridges Associate Curator, Contemporary Art Allison Glenn.
Cincinnati Art Museum Virtual Walk-Through
Hank Willis Thomas leads you on a virtual walk-through of his exhibition, Hank Willis Thomas: All Things Being Equal...