Mickalene Thomas Makes Art
Mickalene Thomas’ artwork places Black women at the forefront, depicting them in moments of leisure—reclining on couches, sometimes nude, and surrounded by rhinestones and vibrant patterns. Her goal is to challenge traditional notions of beauty by celebrating Black women as the central figures.
“My art radically shifts notions of beauty by claiming space,” Thomas explains. “We’ve been supportive characters for too long, and my work gives Black women their flowers, making them the leading role.”
Her large-scale paintings, often made from unconventional materials like glitter, sequins, and yarn, feel larger than life. Each piece begins as a collage, a technique she describes as sculpting with paper. “My scissors are my way of drawing,” she says, emphasizing the immediacy of the process.
Thomas frequently reinterprets classic 19th-century French paintings, centering Black sensuality and power. She aims to capture the deep bonds of sisterhood that she experienced growing up, highlighting both struggle and love in her work.
Her latest exhibition, All About Love, is currently on an international tour, with stops in Los Angeles, London, and France. The Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, hosting the exhibit through January 2025, features 50 paintings, collages, and photographs spanning two decades—many inspired by the women in her life, including her late mother.
As an artist, Thomas found solace in creativity from an early age. Attending after-school programs at the Newark Museum provided her with a safe space to explore art, from papier-mâché to self-portraits. “Art saved my life,” she reflects, calling it a refuge during her childhood.
Limited finances at Pratt Institute led Thomas to experiment with inexpensive craft materials like felt, fabric, and glitter. These accessible supplies became central to her style. “I still mix high-end materials with acrylic, making it impossible to tell what’s luxury and what’s simple—just like in fashion, where you can pair H&M with Prada.”
Her mother was one of her biggest supporters, attending art openings and celebrating her work. “She never questioned my decision to be an artist. She was an advocate for the arts, not just for me, but for my entire creative community,” Thomas recalls, cherishing her mother’s enduring influence on her journey.
