Mickalene Thomas, Photo by Dana Scruggs
Mickalene Thomas (born 1971, New Jersey) is a renowned multidisciplinary artist based in Brooklyn, New York. Her work, which spans painting, photography, video and installation, explores themes of identity, gender, beauty and race, particularly in relation to African American women. Influenced by art history, pop culture and feminist discourse, Thomas challenges traditional representations of women, reclaiming power and femininity. She is best known for her rhinestone-encrusted portraits, which reimagine classic poses from Western art through the lens of African American identity and culture. Her subjects often exude self-possession and are depicted in elaborately decorated interiors, evoking a powerful sense of agency. Thomas draws on inspirations such as Edouard Manet, Henri Matisse, Romare Bearden and 1970s Blaxploitation films.
Her process combines traditional painting techniques with modern materials, such as rhinestones, collages and photographs, creating vibrant, textured works. Thomas also engages in social and political discussions around feminism and the recognition of minority groups, mentoring young women artists and participating in events.
Her work has been widely exhibited, with major solo shows at institutions like the Brooklyn Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Aspen Art Museum. Her art is part of permanent collections in museums such as MoMA, the Guggenheim, the Whitney Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. Thomas has been awarded numerous honors, including an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts and the USA Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz Fellow award.