The first painting I remember selling was 'Panthera.' I made it while I was in residence at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the museum actually purchased it directly from me. Mickalene Thomas directlyharlemmake Change image and share on social
The mirror is a powerful tool because it forces you to deal with yourself on a deeper level. Conceptually, paintings are like mirrors. They're an expression from the artist: 'This is how I view the world - I'm presenting it to you.' Mickalene Thomas artistconceptuallydeal 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
When I decided to go to art school, it wasn't necessarily something I thought I needed. No one talked about graduate school when I was an undergrad. I went on to a residency at the Studio Museum in Harlem, and that transition from Yale to the Studio Museum, that was the real beginning of my professional career. Mickalene Thomas artbegincareer share on social
What's always intriguing to me is transforming my subjects into a character from another era. Mickalene Thomas charactereraintrigue Change image and share on social
I don't think an artist should always know why they gravitate toward something or someone. You are just drawn to things, and that's OK. Mickalene Thomas artistdrawgravitate Change image and share on social
Sometimes I think it's the responsibility of the artist to reveal a little more of themselves. Mickalene Thomas artistresponsibilityreveal Change image and share on social
I've always enjoyed film, but I'm a little afraid of it because I think it is very powerful as a medium. You have the visuals, the sound, the colors, all of these things coming at you, and they transport you physically so it becomes this surround sound, virtual reality. Mickalene Thomas afraidcolorcome share on social
I would have loved to paint Eartha Kitt, but she's no longer here. I'm so glad I had the chance to meet her. Mickalene Thomas chanceearthaglad Change image and share on social
There's a great desire for people to alter themselves, but it's also the art of transformation. 'I want a bigger butt; I want bigger boobs.' The artifice interests me - how we're capable of altering ourselves. There's a creative element that's very intriguing. Mickalene Thomas alterartartifice share on social