Mickalene Thomas (b.1971) is an American artist exploring the intersection of popular culture and art history, through a contemporary Black female gaze. As an openly gay Black woman, sexuality and race are essential themes in Thomas' practice.
Thomas frequently creates portraits of Black women. Her subjects, or muses, emanate an air of confidence or nonchalance and are often surrounded by abstract or patterned elements from an array of sources and eras. Elements of Blaxploitation, Pop Art, Cubism, Dadaism, and even Renaissance art appear in her work.
Her subjects, with natural hair and exposed bodies, challenge traditional representations of women in art. They lounge or pose as women in art history have done for centuries, yet this time, it's Black women being celebrated for their culture and beauty. Her subjects often hold a gaze directed towards the viewer, defying racial stereotypes of subservience and objectification while challenging the white male gaze.
"Portrait of Maya #10" exemplifies Thomas' intricate collage style and her distinct representation of Black women. This woman (named Maya, as the title suggests) is a recurring muse throughout Thomas' oeuvre. The repetition of this character is a reflection of Thomas' unwavering dedication to her muses, a tight-knit group of women that started with her mother and evolved into representing her friends, ex-lovers, and current partner.
In this work, Maya holds her hands behind her head, broadening her bare chest as she strengthens her stance toward the viewer. The woman's body fills the composition, standing tall against a minimal backdrop that amplifies her form, further confronting the viewer with her bold and alluring presence.
Thomas' works can be found in numerous permanent collections including the Museum of Modern Art (NY), Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal, the Guggenheim (NYC), the Smithsonian American Art Museum (NYC), and the Whitney (NYC) among many others.
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"Portrait of Maya #10"
USA, 2024
UV pigment print on Somerset Tub Sized Radiant White 410 gsm paper with 4 metallic silkscreen glitter and shimmer layers, CMYK silkscreen central panel, and matte varnish seal
Signed, dated, and numbered by the artist, in pencil, lower margin
From an edition of 732
26.5"H 24"W (work)
Very good condition
Note: Framed images coming soon
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