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.
