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
I look to a lot of artists who don't focus on one medium, who you can't pigeonhole. Mickalene Thomas artistfocuslot Change image and share on social
When I started at Pratt, Spike Lee had his 40 Acres and A Mule studios down the street. You'd see Rosie Perez walking around going to Mike's Coffee Shop. So it was this black bohemian. Mickalene Thomas acreblackbohemian Change image and share on social
All of my experiences modeling, acting, doing theater, it's all in the work now. And the work freed me to transform myself. Mickalene Thomas actexperiencefree Change image and share on social
In my family, growing up, the women were always the ones who were powerful, and they exuded this charisma of empowerment that I hold onto and always remember. I had some difficult times, but these strong women were always a constant. Mickalene Thomas charismaconstantdifficult share on social
I used to listen to a lot of music in my studio - all the time. But as far as the music that interplays with my work, what I've done and still do is keep a lyric book and song title. The material typically comes from Eartha Kitt, Betty Davis, Donna Summer, Whitney Houston. Mickalene Thomas bettybookdavis share on social
You know, the emotion - it comes in my art. The kind of person I am, I can deal with things, and I do and I can, but I'm not a crier. Mickalene Thomas artcrierdeal Change image and share on social
I grew up with a lot of brothers, and I don't have any sisters, so for me it's really important to develop my sisterhood. It's something I've always coveted. Mickalene Thomas brothercovetdevelop Change image and share on social
I am proud to be able to exhibit my work and inspire young people. Especially young black women so they know that they are beautiful, that they don't have to hold onto any negative stereotypes. Mickalene Thomas beautifulblackexhibit Change image and share on social