“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.“
- Name: Mickalene Thomas
- Born: January 28, 1971
- From: Camden, NJ. Lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.
- Pronouns: she/her
- Contribution/Impact: Thomas’s work is inspired by art history, pop art and culture. “Her vibrant works have established a contemporary vision of female sexuality, beauty, race and power, while centering queer identity” (NMWA, 2020).
- Occupation: Artist, Photographer
- Works: Don’t forget about me (Kerie) (2009), La Leçon d’amour (2008), Clarivel with Black Blouse with White Ribbon (2016), More.
- Awards: USA Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz Fellow in 2015, and Anonymous Was A Woman Award in 2013.
- Interesting Facts: She is currently represented by the Lehmann Maupin in New Tork and Rhona Hoffman Gallery in Chicago.
Mickalene Thomas is mostly known for her vibrant works that show Black women in powerful positions, expressing femininity and centering her work around queer identity. Many of her work is inspired from art history and pop art and culture. Thomas’s work has been exhibited all over the United States. She has received many awards like the USA Francie Bishop Good & David Horvitz Fellow in 2015 and the Anonymous Was A Woman Award in 2013.
Handout
To download the Handout:
- Click on the image
- Right-click and select Save Image As…
- Read and follow the directions in the images.
- Cut out and use for a selfie to share on our social media page.
- Download a card and envelope template and write about an idea this leader inspires.
- Check out The Attic for more resources and events for Philadelphia’s LGBT+ youth!
This ASI Special event is an ongoing volunteer-led project made by people like you, using multiple educational sources regularly being revised and updated. We would love your assistance if you or your group would like to get involved, learn more here.