“Clapping with Stones” features artwork from many cultural and disciplinary backgrounds. All of the works are tied together through the common theme of social justice. They advocate and bring awareness to the universal struggle of the underdog, the oppressed, across cultures in recent history and contemporary times. There are works that touch on slavery and black rights, Buddhist struggles in Islamic territory, gender inequality, and many others. I took special interest in Hank Willis Thomas’ piece, “Strike.” This stainless steel sculpture has a mirrored finish that draws the viewer into the piece. The viewer may not be able to relate to the specific struggle of black rights being commented on, but in seeing themselves in the reflection they are reminded of their own struggles, whether they may be social, familial, or even personal. The piece is a three-dimensional depiction of a moment in the 1935 drawing “Strike Scene” by Louis Lozowick. This moment, the specific gesture chosen, reminds me of Cartier Bresson’s description of the “decisive moment.” These two arms coming together, one holding a baton – a universal symbol of authority and oppression – is enough to evoke emotion in the viewer. The viewer instantly empathizes with the underdog, even before knowing anything more about the piece or its context.
