This is stunning in person, and had an entire room devoted only to it. If it’s not obvious from the photo, this is suspended fairly high in the air, maybe 10-15 feet. The beading of the words “We Hold These Truths To Be Self Evident” continues around the entirety of the punching bag, but this was the only photo I got that I was satisfied with. This is the accompanying text:

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS TO BE SELF-EVIDENT, 2024

Glass beads, plastic beads, nylon thread, acrylic felt, found punching bag

Gibson's series of beaded punching bags frequently contain texts that address structures of power. Drawing on Indigenous craft and clothing traditions, he transforms a symbol of physical aggression into a pathway to empowerment. Gibson adorns the bag here with beadwork and fringe evoking powwow regalia, especially in bead-and-jingle-adorned dresses worn by women. The beadwork features the first words of the US Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident." Unwritten but implied is the rest of the sentence: "that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The viewer is left to hold that statement with the often-conflicting actions of the nation in the two centuries since its writing, especially toward Indigenous people, people of color, and other marginalized groups.

If you happen to be in Los Angeles, he has a special exhibit going on at The Broad right now that’s fantastic! And it’s free on Thursdays if you can’t afford the ticket.

Saw this projected on a large wall at The Broad Museum today and it was a fuckin jam

Be sure to hit ‘Continue thread’ each time when you get to it, it continues further than Bluesky loads! I found the whole thing very thoughtful and knowledgeable.

Alt text: a simple doodle in white and blue of a mischievous smiling round guy

Source: https://bsky.app/profile/hotpaper.bsky.social/post/3lpffdw42ck2v

I was taking a walk and heard a mockingbird making absolutely furious noises that I’d never heard before, and then saw the crow, so I knew something was up. The crow disappeared into a tree for a few moments, and shortly emerged victorious with its prize. The mockingbird threw itself at the crow throughout the entire process in a valiant effort to protect its eggs, but it wasn’t enough.