Mickalene Thomas

New York-based artist Mickalene Thomas is known for her elaborate paintings adorned with rhinestones, enamel and colorful acrylics. Her depictions of African American women explore notions of black female celebrity and identity while romanticizing ideas of femininity and power. Reminiscent of 70s style Blaxploitation, the subjects in Thomas' paintings radiate sexuality. Women in provocative poses sprawl across the picture plane and are surrounded by kitschy decorative patterns inspired by her childhood. - Lehmann Maupin press release 2009




Douglas Kelley, New York art world commentator, visits Mickalene Thomas' first NY exhibit "She's Come Undone", at Lehmann Maupin gallery on W. 26th St.