Colourful artwork of a soccer player in mid-bicycle kick against a vibrant blue background, wearing a yellow and green uniform.

Hank Willis Thomas

“Success is no accident.”

€600
Limited edition of 400

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Hank Willis Thomas brings one of football’s most iconic images to a new limited edition print.

Depicting the legendary Brazilian footballer Pelé’s bicycle kick, this work is a classic example of Thomas’ conceptual approach – reframing familiar cultural images to explore identity, history and mass media.

Its title, “Success is no accident.”, comes from one of Pelé’s most celebrated quotes: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

Portrait of Hank Willis Thomas
Hank Willis Thomas3 collaborationsFor Hank Willis Thomas, art is a means to visualise a message. As the co-founder of For Freedoms, Thomas is widely known for his boundary-pushing public art projects and collaborative approach. Black history and social activism soak into many different mediums in his work, including sculpture, photography, appliqué, film and installation. Growing up as part of the “MTV generation” and as the son of photographer and art historian Deborah Willis, Thomas mixes pop culture references with archive research. Whatever the concept needs is the form the art will take. In Thomas’s own words: “I care more about ideas than medium”. His most cherished idea? Love. For Thomas, love is a form of social liberation – offering a radical tool for learning, healing and hope.

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Reviews from Avant collectors

  • This piece is lovely and out for framing. I actually want to buy another.

  • I’m really happy to add this piece to my collection. It’s always a pleasure working with you — thank you for making everything so smooth. Looking forward to hearing about more great works!

  • Love, love, love this piece of amazing work...from the craftmanship, brilliance of the colors, to the title it is fire! My new fave...among many other favorites! The treatment my framer gave it is delicious and aww inspiring...thanks Avant Arte!

  • The packaging is always good but this was superb. And the piece exceeded all expectations.

  • its a wonderful piece ! very happy

  • Very pleased with the entire process.

  • I think your service excellent. Sufficient information throughout the process, not too many emails, thank you. Wrapping 5stars. And the print is superb! Fulfills my little dreamsof owning some art and supporting arti/artists that deserve it.

  • excellent craftsmanship and delivery


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