In the 1970s, David Hammons' art evolved significantly, marked by his move from Los Angeles to New York and a shift in his artistic practice. During this period, Hammons moved away from creating two-dimensional works to focusing on sculptural assemblage, installation, and performance art. He began employing a range of provocative materials such as elephant dung, chicken parts, strands of hair, and bottles of cheap wine, often centered on the Black urban experience. His work during these years continued to use sarcasm and humor as means to confront cultural stereotypes and racial issues, themes that have remained central to his practice​ (Mnuchin Gallery)​. Hammons' art in the 1970s included the use of body prints as a medium to explore themes of race, identity, and society. This technique involved Hammons covering his body, or parts of it, with grease or margarine and pressing it against paper or canvas, then dusting the imprint with pigment to reveal a ghostly image. This process was not only innovative but deeply symbolic, serving as a commentary on the black body's visibility and invisibility in American society. The body prints are politically charged, reflecting Hammons' engagement with the social and racial climate of the time​ (The Art Story)​. One of the key works from this era is "Injustice Case" (1970), a poignant commentary on the trial and political persecution of Black Panther Party co-founder Bobby Seale. This piece features a body print overlaid with an American flag, encapsulating Hammons' critique of racial injustice and the American legal system's biases. This work, like many others from the 1970s, highlights Hammons' skill in blending profound social commentary with innovative artistic practices​ (LACMA Collections)​. During the 1970s, Hammons also began to explore the symbolic power of everyday objects, transforming them into potent symbols of race, culture, and resistance. His work from this period laid the groundwork for his later pieces, characterized by a deep engagement with the materials' cultural and historical connotations and a critical eye towards the art world and society at large. David Hammons' work from the 1970s is a critical chapter in understanding his evolution as an artist and his continued influence on contemporary art. Through his unique blend of materials, techniques, and themes, Hammons has remained a vital voice in discussions around race, culture, and the politics of visibility in the art world.