Mickalene Thomas
#328,660 Most Popular
About
Contemporary artist and curator. She utilizes multiple mediums in her work, varying from mixed-media paintings, photographs, sculpture, films and installations, and curated galleries. Her work is inspired from popular art histories and movements, exploring controversial topics around black femininity, beauty, race, sexuality, and gender.
Before Fame
She was born and raised in Camden, New Jersey. She received her BFA from the Pratt Institute in 2000 and her MFA from Yale School of Art in 2002.
Trivia
Her art often depicts popular or influential women, and her portrait of Michelle Obama was the first individual portrait done of the First Lady. She has been the recipient of numerous prizes and grants, including the Pratt Institute Legends Award; she was also nominated for a Tony Award as a co-producer.
Family Life
Her mother was a popular model from the 1970's. She explores her relationship with her mother in the short film "Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman: A Portrait of My Mother."
Associated With
She has featured influential women such as Condoleezza Rice, Oprah Winfrey, and Eartha Kitt in her work.
