207

David Hammons

(b. 1943)

African American Flag.

Printed fabric on a painted wooden pole, 2003.
Signed and dated in ink, lower right.
Flag: 20x28 cm; 8x11 inches; pole 46 cm; 18 inches long,
Frame: 23 1/4 x 16 1/4 x 1 1/4 in. (59.1 x 41.3 x 3.2 cm.).

  • Provenance:
    Private collection, New York.
    Private collection, Georgia.

    The artist created a large version of this flag, over seven feet in length, as a multiple in 1990. One is famously displayed outside the Studio Museum in Harlem, and another is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. David Hammons explained, "Marcus Garvey designed the African American flag, which looked like the Italian flag except that it is red, black, and green. But it is so abstract, so pure, that the masses were frightened by it. I made my flag because I felt that they needed one like the U.S. flag, but with black stars instead of white ones. But then who needs stars when we have Michael Jackson." David Hammons, No Wonder, interview by Louise Neri, Parkett, no. 31 (Winter 1992), 53.
  • Condition:
    Please contact the Specialist for the auction to request a condition report.

    Condition reports and additional images are provided as a courtesy and should be used by you to aid in the formation of your own opinion regarding condition. All material is sold subject to Swann's standard Terms and Conditions of Sale as published in our catalogues and posted on our website, and include the following terms: (1) all property is sold "as-is"; and (2) works cannot be returned on the basis of condition.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Upon request, Swann will facilitate the shipping of purchases to out-of-town buyers at an additional charge for packing, shipping and insurance, but will not be responsible for any loss, damage or delay resulting from the packing, handling and shipping thereof. Unless specific instructions are received, Swann is the sole judge of the method to be used for shipment. Packing and shipping costs will be noted on the invoice mailed to successful bidders after the sale, and are based on the actual costs involved. Be advised that a full commercial invoice must accompany any purchase shipped outside the US.

April 2, 2026 12:00 PM EDT
New York, NY, US

Swann Auction Galleries

You agree to pay a buyer’s premium, as outlined below, and any applicable taxes and shipping.
Buyer's Premium
$0 - $100,000:
27.00%
$100,001 - $1,000,000:
22.00%
$1,000,001+:
12.00%

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $149 $10
$150 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $5,999 $200
$6,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 $499,999 $20,000
$500,000 + $50,000