**Mickalene Thomas**
*Portrait of Maya #10*
2017
Rhinestones and acrylic paint on canvas mounted wood panel
96 x 84 in.
© Mickalene Thomas

Contemporary African-American visual artist Mickalene Thomas has launched her new exhibition titled “Mickalene Thomas: All About Love.” This exhibition is set to be a landmark event, offering audiences around the world the opportunity to witness and engage with her groundbreaking work. She is renowned for her innovative approach, blending various mediums such as painting, photography, collage, rhinestones, and enamel. Her art captures Black women in powerful and intimate portrayals, celebrating their essence, beauty, and individuality.

Through her vibrant and richly textured artwork, Thomas challenges traditional standards of beauty and femininity, addressing themes of identity, sexuality, and history. Drawing on influences from pop culture, art history, and personal experiences, she fosters conversations that resonate with contemporary issues and offers a perspective on the experiences of Black women. Her work not only highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Black women but also inspires viewers to appreciate the diversity and complexity of their narratives. This exhibition promises to be a dynamic and thought-provoking experience, inviting audiences to explore the profound artistry of Mickalene Thomas and her impact.

**Mickalene Thomas**
*A Little Taste Outside of Love*
2007
Rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel on wood panel
108 x 144 in.
© Mickalene Thomas

The exhibition will feature pieces collected from her artistic journey spanning more than 20 years. Her journey began in the early 2000s with explorations in photography, where she initially focused on staged compositions that challenged conventions of identity and representation, particularly within the context of Black womanhood. As her career evolved, Thomas expanded into painting and mixed media, incorporating vibrant colors, rich textures, and elements like rhinestones to create visually dynamic and emotionally resonant artworks. Throughout her career, she has consistently explored themes of beauty, power, and the construction of identity, garnering acclaim for her bold reinterpretations of art historical tropes and her celebration of Black womanhood. Now, she is having a touring exhibition displaying her acclaimed art.

**Mickalene Thomas**
*This is Where I Came In*
2006
Rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel on wood panel
72 x 60 in.
© Mickalene Thomas

Thomas draws inspiration for her exhibition from author and feminist Bell Hooks’ book All About Love: New Visions, where Hooks explores the construct and transformative power of love. Hooks proposes that love is not merely a feeling but an action and a practice. As Thomas elaborated in her interview with Forbes, “One of the reasons why I was thinking about love, I was thinking about it in relationship to who I am in the world, the impact that I'm creating, and how I'm inspired by others to make the work that I'm making.” She reflects on love in various contexts—whether in romance, family dynamics, or personal growth—all of which require spiritual effort, as Hooks describes. Thomas emphasizes, "Love is something we have to actively put work into." Furthermore, she explains that her artwork expresses love through her intimate relationships with her sitters, capturing and celebrating their essence in portraits and reclining poses. She aims to showcase their beauty, vulnerability, and strength in their fullest light, surrounded by joy, elegance, and desire. For Thomas, love forms the central theme of her work and artistry.

Throughout her journey, she has been dedicated to depicting Black women authentically, challenging stigmas and limitations imposed on them. The exhibition will showcase more than 80 pieces of her work, providing a glimpse into her powerful portrayal of Black femininity.

**Mickalene Thomas**
*Din avec la main dans le miroir et jupe rouge*
2023
Rhinestones, acrylic and glitter on canvas mounted on wood panel
90 x 110 in.
© Mickalene Thomas

Mickalene Thomas' art is a celebration of Black womanhood, empowerment, and identity. Through her innovative use of materials, she conveys powerful messages and exemplifies love in her art and work. Her distinctive approach, blending vibrant colors, mixed media, and textured surfaces, challenges traditional representations and celebrates the complexity and beauty of Black women. This exhibition is nothing short of amazing, offering an immersive experience that honors and elevates Thomas' work.

“Mickalene Thomas: All About Love” is on display until September 9, 2024, at The Broad in Los Angeles. The exhibition will then move to the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia from October 20, 2024, to January 12, 2025. Following that, it will be showcased at the Hayward Gallery in London from February 11 to Mo 5 2025.

Article by Shawna Small, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Bradley Duley, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine

Mickalene Thomas: A Love Letter to Black Womanhood