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Carrie Mae Weems — Jim, if you choose to accept, the mission is to land on your own two feet.
Carrie Mae Weems

Jim, if you choose to accept, the mission is to land on your own two feet.

A striking black-and-white gelatin silver print by Carrie Mae Weems, this work invites deep reflection on identity, resilience, and self-determination. The title's directive tone — borrowed from the language of spy missions — transforms personal survival into an urgent, almost impossible task, charged with both humor and gravity. Weems masterfully layers text and image to challenge her subjects, and viewers, to confront the social and historical forces that complicate the simple act of standing on one's own.

Medium
Gelatin silver print.

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Editions & Works on Paper

October 17, 2017

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About this work

Carrie Mae Weems, Jim, if you choose to accept, the mission is to land on your own two feet.

A striking black-and-white gelatin silver print by Carrie Mae Weems, this work invites deep reflection on identity, resilience, and self-determination. The title's directive tone — borrowed from the language of spy missions — transforms personal survival into an urgent, almost impossible task, charged with both humor and gravity. Weems masterfully layers text and image to challenge her subjects, and viewers, to confront the social and historical forces that complicate the simple act of standing on one's own.

Medium
Gelatin silver print.
Seen at
Phillips, New York, London, Hong Kong

Related themes

Conceptual Photography, Identity And Race, Documentary Photography, 20th Century Photography, Black and White Photography, Gelatin Silver Print, Contemporary Artist, American Artist, Social Commentary, Late 20th Century, Portrait Photography, Female Artist, Text-Based Art, Black and White, African American Experience

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