We Are Bound Together
Steve Hanks
What is this image all about? Seven young children hold a long cut-out paper doll. Their ankles and wrists are tied together with colored ribbons. We are reminded that, regardless of our individual differences, we are all bound together by a common humanity. Closer inspection reveals a crying boy on the far left. His wrist ribbon has dropped off and he is momentarily disconnected from his peers. Our imagination assures us the blond girl will soon come to his assistance, he will be reunited and everthing will be okay.
This painting is Steve Hanks at his very best. It is both engaging and challenging. It is a sequel to two prints published in 1993, "All in a Row," and "All Gone Awry" which portray the same children when they were just babies. "Painting them again, six years later, has given me a chance to watch them grow," Steve Hanks comments.
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