I've always been interested in masking, layering, dressing up and beautifying yourself and what that meant to black women. I've always wanted to make things that I haven't seen before. Mickalene Thomas beautifyblackdress Change image and share on social
To see yourself, and for others to see you, is a form of validation. I'm interested in that very mysterious and mystical way we relate to each other in the world. Mickalene Thomas forminterestmysterious Change image and share on social
I remember when I first saw Whoopi Goldberg doing standup, and she was wearing a sheet on her head, basically pretending to be this little white girl with long luxurious blonde hair. Everyone can relate to that. It's an oral history of black women's lives through laughter. Mickalene Thomas basicallyblackblonde share on social
I started making art during high school but thought I lacked the talent to become a true artist. Mickalene Thomas artartisthigh Change image and share on social
I started making art with art therapy. It's what I know how to do. I got a lot of criticism for that when I was in school. But I think it works for me. Mickalene Thomas artcriticismlot Change image and share on social
There's a greater power and charisma when a woman is aware of her sexual prowess when it's not necessarily about victimization or someone else's pleasure but her own feeling about her own body and understanding and loving herself. Mickalene Thomas awarebodycharisma share on social
I don't see myself as a photographer. I still see the photographs and collages as a resource for the painting. Mickalene Thomas collagepaintphotograph Change image and share on social
Once I made the decision to make art despite the obstacles and to make this my priority, things just opened up for me. Mickalene Thomas artdecisionmake Change image and share on social
I'm really interested in women, particularly the kind of black woman who has overcome obstacles in her life and transformed. Mickalene Thomas blackinterestkind Change image and share on social
Beauty has always been an element of discussion for black women, whether or not we were the ones having the conversation. Mickalene Thomas beautyblackconversation Change image and share on social
