Mickalene Thomas

Biography

Mickalene Thomas (born 1971, Camden, NJ) 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. Mickalene Thomas earned her BFA in painting at Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY in 2000 and a MFA at the Yale University School of Art, New Haven CT, in 2002. In 2003, the artist participated in a residency at the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York, NY and in 2010, a residency at the Versailles Munn Artists Program at Giverny, France, among others.

The artist has exhibited extensively in both solo and group exhibitions including “Americans Now” at the National Portrait Gallery, Washington D.C. (2010); “The Global Africa Project” at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York, NY (2010); and “The Way We Are Now: Selections from the 21st c. Collection,” at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Cincinnati, OH (2011). Thomas will participate in the group exhibition “Blacks in Black and White” at the Brand New Gallery, Milan, Italy in 2012. Thomas’s recent solo exhibitions include “Something You Can Feel” at La Conservera Contemporary Art Space, Ceuti, Spain (2009); “Put a Little Sugar in My Bowl” at Susanne Vielmetter Projects, Los Angeles, CA (2010); and ‘Mama Bush: One of a Kind Two” at the Hara Museum, Tokyo, Japan (2011). The artist will have solo exhibitions at Lehmann Maupin Gallery in September 2011; and at the Santa Monica Museum, Santa Monica, CA in 2012. Thomas’ work can be found in significant museum collections including The Museum of Modern Art, New York, NY; the Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY; the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park, KS; The Rubell Family Collection, Miami, FL; and the National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. Mickalene Thomas lives and works in Brooklyn, NY. To download artist's CV, please click on "Printable PDF of Full Text"
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Gallery Exhibitions

Museum Exhibitions

Press

Publications

Selected Works

MICKALENE THOMAS Le déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires, 2010 c-print 47 x 58 inches (paper) 119.4 x 147.3 cm 52 x 63 x 2.25 inches (framed) 132.1 x 160 x 5.7 cm Edition of 5 LM12965
MICKALENE THOMAS Le déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires, 2010 c-print 47 x 58 inches (paper) 119.4 x 147.3 cm 52 x 63 x 2.25 inches (framed) 132.1 x 160 x 5.7 cm Edition of 5 LM12965

MICKALENE THOMAS Le déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 120 x 288 x 2 inches 304.8 x 731.5 x 5.1 cm LM12816
MICKALENE THOMAS Le déjeuner sur l'herbe: Les Trois Femmes Noires, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 120 x 288 x 2 inches 304.8 x 731.5 x 5.1 cm LM12816

MICKALENE THOMAS Hudson River On My Mind, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 78 x 108 inches 213.4 x 274.3 cm LM12551
MICKALENE THOMAS Hudson River On My Mind, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 78 x 108 inches 213.4 x 274.3 cm LM12551

MICKALENE THOMAS Mama Bush: One of a Kind Two, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 108 x 144 x 2 inches 274.3 x 365.8 x 5.1 cm LM12313
MICKALENE THOMAS Mama Bush: One of a Kind Two, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 108 x 144 x 2 inches 274.3 x 365.8 x 5.1 cm LM12313

MICKALENE THOMAS Don't forget about me (Keri), 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 84 x 72 inches 213.4 x 182.9 cm LM12189
MICKALENE THOMAS Don't forget about me (Keri), 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 84 x 72 inches 213.4 x 182.9 cm LM12189

MICKALENE THOMAS All she wants to do is dance (Fran), 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 144 x 108 x 2 inches 365.8 x 274.3 x 5.1 cm LM12058
MICKALENE THOMAS All she wants to do is dance (Fran), 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 144 x 108 x 2 inches 365.8 x 274.3 x 5.1 cm LM12058

MICKALENE THOMAS Still life with black and white panther, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 48 x 60 inches 121.9 x 152.4 cm LM12075
MICKALENE THOMAS Still life with black and white panther, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 48 x 60 inches 121.9 x 152.4 cm LM12075

MICKALENE THOMAS Photomontage 10A, 2009 mixed media 10 panels, each approx. 12 x 12 in. / 30.5 x 30.5 cm overall dimensions: 43 x 68 x 4 in. / 109.2 x 172.7 x 10.2 cm LM12997
MICKALENE THOMAS Photomontage 10A, 2009 mixed media 10 panels, each approx. 12 x 12 in. / 30.5 x 30.5 cm overall dimensions: 43 x 68 x 4 in. / 109.2 x 172.7 x 10.2 cm LM12997

MICKALENE THOMAS Photomontage 10B, 2009 mixed media 10 panels, each approx. 12 x 12 in. / 30.5 x 30.5 cm overall dimensions: 40 x 69 x 4 in. /101.6 x 175.3 x 10.2 cm LM12998
MICKALENE THOMAS Photomontage 10B, 2009 mixed media 10 panels, each approx. 12 x 12 in. / 30.5 x 30.5 cm overall dimensions: 40 x 69 x 4 in. /101.6 x 175.3 x 10.2 cm LM12998

MICKALENE THOMAS Portrait of Qusuquzah #2 , 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 60 x 48 x 2 inches 152.4 x 121.9 x 5.1 cm Signed, dated, titled and numbered on the reverse LM12843
MICKALENE THOMAS Portrait of Qusuquzah #2 , 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 60 x 48 x 2 inches 152.4 x 121.9 x 5.1 cm Signed, dated, titled and numbered on the reverse LM12843

MICKALENE THOMAS A-E-I-O-U and Sometimes Y, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 40 panels, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm LM12422
MICKALENE THOMAS A-E-I-O-U and Sometimes Y, 2009 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 40 panels, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm LM12422

MICKALENE THOMAS FBI/Serial Portraits, 2008 rhinestone and acrylic on panel 12 panels, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm
MICKALENE THOMAS FBI/Serial Portraits, 2008 rhinestone and acrylic on panel 12 panels, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm

MICKALENE THOMAS America the Beautiful , 2008 rhinestone and acrylic on panel 12 panels, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm overall dimensions: 96 x 60 inches 243.8 x 152.4 cm LM11307
MICKALENE THOMAS America the Beautiful , 2008 rhinestone and acrylic on panel 12 panels, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm overall dimensions: 96 x 60 inches 243.8 x 152.4 cm LM11307

MICKALENE THOMAS Michelle O, 2008 screenprint on paper 25 x 19.5 inches (paper) 63.5 x 49.5 cm Edition of 40 signed, dated and numbered on the front LM12890
MICKALENE THOMAS Michelle O, 2008 screenprint on paper 25 x 19.5 inches (paper) 63.5 x 49.5 cm Edition of 40 signed, dated and numbered on the front LM12890

MICKALENE THOMAS La Lecon d'amour, 2008 rhinestone and acrylic on panel 96 x 120 inches 243.8 x 304.8 cm LM11259
MICKALENE THOMAS La Lecon d'amour, 2008 rhinestone and acrylic on panel 96 x 120 inches 243.8 x 304.8 cm LM11259

MICKALENE THOMAS This Girl Could be Dangerous, 2007 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 84 x 72 inches 213.4 x 182.9 cm
MICKALENE THOMAS This Girl Could be Dangerous, 2007 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 84 x 72 inches 213.4 x 182.9 cm

MICKALENE THOMAS Afro Goddess Looking Forward, 2007 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on wood panel 72 x 72 inches 182.9 x 182.9 cm
MICKALENE THOMAS Afro Goddess Looking Forward, 2007 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on wood panel 72 x 72 inches 182.9 x 182.9 cm

MICKALENE THOMAS Can't We Just Sit Down and Talk It Over, 2006 screenprint 19.5 x 30 inches (paper) 49.5 x 76.2 cm Edition of 40 signed LM13076
MICKALENE THOMAS Can't We Just Sit Down and Talk It Over, 2006 screenprint 19.5 x 30 inches (paper) 49.5 x 76.2 cm Edition of 40 signed LM13076

Available Works

MICKALENE THOMAS A-E-I-O-U and Sometimes Y, 2011 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 2 parts, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm overall: 24 x 40 inches 61 x 101.6 cm LM14937 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS A-E-I-O-U and Sometimes Y, 2011 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 2 parts, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm overall: 24 x 40 inches 61 x 101.6 cm LM14937 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Still Life with Tiger (Black), 2008 acrylic, rhinestones, enamel on wood panel 48 x 60 inches 121.9 x 152.4 cm LM13122 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Still Life with Tiger (Black), 2008 acrylic, rhinestones, enamel on wood panel 48 x 60 inches 121.9 x 152.4 cm LM13122 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Still Life with Tiger (Black) (detail), 2008 acrylic, rhinestones, enamel on wood panel 48 x 60 inches 121.9 x 152.4 cm LM13122 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Still Life with Tiger (Black) (detail), 2008 acrylic, rhinestones, enamel on wood panel 48 x 60 inches 121.9 x 152.4 cm LM13122 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Lovely Six Foota, 2007 c-print 48.3125 x 59.375 inches (image) 122.7 x 150.8 cm 56.3125 x 67.375 inches (paper) 143 x 171.1 cm Edition of 5, 2 AP LM12975 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Lovely Six Foota, 2007 c-print 48.3125 x 59.375 inches (image) 122.7 x 150.8 cm 56.3125 x 67.375 inches (paper) 143 x 171.1 cm Edition of 5, 2 AP LM12975 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Portrait of Mnonja with Flower in Hair, 2008 mixed media collage 5.5 x 4.25 inches (paper) 14 x 10.8 cm 13.5 x 12.25 inches (framed) 34.3 x 31.1 cm LM15092 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Portrait of Mnonja with Flower in Hair, 2008 mixed media collage 5.5 x 4.25 inches (paper) 14 x 10.8 cm 13.5 x 12.25 inches (framed) 34.3 x 31.1 cm LM15092 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Courbet 1 (Melody: Sitting), 2011 polaroid 24 x 20 inches (paper) 61 x 50.8 cm 34.5 x 30.5 inches (framed) 87.6 x 77.5 cm LM15337 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Courbet 1 (Melody: Sitting), 2011 polaroid 24 x 20 inches (paper) 61 x 50.8 cm 34.5 x 30.5 inches (framed) 87.6 x 77.5 cm LM15337 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Landscape with woman washing her feet, 2008 rhinestone, acrylic paint and oil enamel on wood panel 108 x 144 inches 274.3 x 365.8 cm LM12553 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Landscape with woman washing her feet, 2008 rhinestone, acrylic paint and oil enamel on wood panel 108 x 144 inches 274.3 x 365.8 cm LM12553 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Landscape with woman washing her feet (detail), 2008 rhinestone, acrylic paint and oil enamel on wood panel 108 x 144 inches 274.3 x 365.8 cm LM12553 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Landscape with woman washing her feet (detail), 2008 rhinestone, acrylic paint and oil enamel on wood panel 108 x 144 inches 274.3 x 365.8 cm LM12553 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Ain't I a woman (Sandra), 2009 DVD, rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel diptych, 36 x 28 inches (painting) 91.4 x 71.1 cm 18 x 24 x 5.3125 inches (framed monitor) 45.7 x 61 x 13.5 cm Edition of 3 LM12161 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Ain't I a woman (Sandra), 2009 DVD, rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel diptych, 36 x 28 inches (painting) 91.4 x 71.1 cm 18 x 24 x 5.3125 inches (framed monitor) 45.7 x 61 x 13.5 cm Edition of 3 LM12161 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Put something down on it, 2009 mounted c-print 30 x 24 inches (paper) 76.2 x 61 cm 33.25 x 27.25 inches (framed) 84.5 x 69.2 cm Edition of 5 LM12196 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Put something down on it, 2009 mounted c-print 30 x 24 inches (paper) 76.2 x 61 cm 33.25 x 27.25 inches (framed) 84.5 x 69.2 cm Edition of 5 LM12196 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Portrait of Qusuquzah, 2008 mounted c-print 23.75 x 29.5 inches (paper) 60.3 x 74.9 cm 27.25 x 33.25 inches (framed) 69.2 x 84.5 cm Edition of 6 LM11217 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Portrait of Qusuquzah, 2008 mounted c-print 23.75 x 29.5 inches (paper) 60.3 x 74.9 cm 27.25 x 33.25 inches (framed) 69.2 x 84.5 cm Edition of 6 LM11217 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS A-E-I-O-U and Sometimes Y, 2011 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 3 parts, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm overall: 24 x 60 inches 61 x 152.4 cm LM14938 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS A-E-I-O-U and Sometimes Y, 2011 rhinestone, acrylic and enamel on panel 3 parts, each: 24 x 20 inches 61 x 50.8 cm overall: 24 x 60 inches 61 x 152.4 cm LM14938 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS A Moment's Pleasure in Black and White, 2006-2008 mounted c-print 23.75 x 29.5 inches (paper) 60.3 x 74.9 cm 27.125 x 33.125 inches (framed) 68.9 x 84.1 cm Edition of 5 LM11216 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS A Moment's Pleasure in Black and White, 2006-2008 mounted c-print 23.75 x 29.5 inches (paper) 60.3 x 74.9 cm 27.125 x 33.125 inches (framed) 68.9 x 84.1 cm Edition of 5 LM11216 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

MICKALENE THOMAS Remember Me, 2006 c-print 49.5 x 59 inches (print) 125.7 x 149.9 cm 51 x 60.5 x 1.75 inches (frame) 129.5 x 153.7 x 4.4 cm Edition of 5 LM13604 To inquire about this work please contact <a href=sales@lehmannmaupin.com" />
MICKALENE THOMAS Remember Me, 2006 c-print 49.5 x 59 inches (print) 125.7 x 149.9 cm 51 x 60.5 x 1.75 inches (frame) 129.5 x 153.7 x 4.4 cm Edition of 5 LM13604 To inquire about this work please contact sales@lehmannmaupin.com

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