Tim Rollins and K.O.S., Tim Rollins, By Any Means Necessary (after Malcolm X), 2008, matte acrylic and book pages on canvas, 72 x 72 in. (182.9 x 182.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2010.18, © 2008, Tim Rollin and K.O.S.
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Artwork Details
- Title
- By Any Means Necessary (after Malcolm X)
- Artists
- Tim Rollins and K.O.S.
- Date
- 2008
- Location
- Dimensions
- 72 x 72 in. (182.9 x 182.9 cm)
- Copyright
- © 2008, Tim Rollin and K.O.S.
- Credit Line
- Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment
- Mediums Description
- matte acrylic and book pages on canvas
- Classifications
- Highlights
- Subjects
- History — United States — Black History — Malcolm X
- Object — written matter — book
- History — United States — Civil Rights Movement
- Object Number
- 2010.18
Artwork Description
Artist Tim Rollins formed K.O.S. (Kids of Survival) in the 1980s with a group of high school students in the South Bronx. Many of their collaborations are inspired by literary classics. Published in 1965, months after the human rights activist's assassination, The Autobiography of Malcolm X has sold millions of copies and influenced generations of readers.
This artwork's title comes from a refrain often found in Malcolm X's speeches:
We want freedom by any means necessary.
We want justice by any means necessary.
We want equality by any means necessary.
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