Hank Willis Thomas is a New York based artist who addresses social injustice through photography and sculptures. An example is his public art project called “The Truth Is I See You” which placed short and thought provoking messages in everyday city spaces to encourage to think about equality, empathy and how we see each other. He frequently uses historical and media images to question how race, power, and representation shape American culture, making his work a strong example of art used for social injustice in NYC.

The shabbat (sabbath) candlestick have been passed down in my family, and are lit every Friday night to mark the start of rest in tradition. They not only remind me of my Jewish identity through ritual but also brings a sense of peace as it marks the beginning of shabbat. For me, these candlesticks symbolize tradition, faith, and my family coming together.

One World Trade Center

An icon is a symbol that represents something larger than itself. they are instantly recognizable and carry deep meaning and identity for a city. Icons that are buildings or structures embody the history and culture of a place, and are widely known. The reason i chose the one world trade center is because it is a powerful symbol of the city’s resilience, hope, and renewal after the 9/11 attacks. The building stands on the site of the original world trade center, representing the city’s strength to rebuild after a tragedy. It is also one of the tallest buildings in the western hemisphere, representing modernity, and showing how New York honors the past and embraces the future. The building was designed by architect David Childs in 2006, and reaches 1,776 feet tall, symbolizing the year the declaration of independence was signed. It serves as office space, and observation deck, and theres a memorial nearby honoring the lives lost in 9/11. 

Explore WTC. “One World Trade Center.” Explore WTC. Accessed September 8, 2025. https://www.explorewtc.com/en/local/learn-about-wtc/one-world-trade-center.html

the balmain outfit in the superfine room shows how’s fashion can mix history with modern style. Oliver Rousteing takes inspiration from the Veste Hussard, a 19th century French cavalry jacket, and turns it into a dramatic black coat with gold braids, pearls, and crystals. He pairs it with casual track pants, making the look feel fresh. The mix shows how’s Balmain uses fashion as a way to express power and confidence, while proving that luxury can connect to everyday streetwear.