Author

Beauty has always been an element of discussion for black women, whether or not we were the ones having the conversation.

From Mickalene Thomas

I'm a black American, and I'm proud to represent who and where I'm from - unapologetically. There's no shame in my game.

From Mickalene Thomas

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.

From Mickalene Thomas

I define my work as a feminist act and a political act because I'm black and a woman. You don't necessarily have to claim that, but the act of making art itself is a political and feminist act when you're a woman.

From Mickalene Thomas

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.'

From Mickalene Thomas

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.

From Mickalene Thomas

When you look at death, it makes you understand the importance of the moment when you have life and death in front of you, and you witness seeing someone deteriorating in front of you - it's an overwhelming experience. If you don't learn from that, I don't know what else you're gonna learn.

From Mickalene Thomas

What you put on your wall should be inspiration.

From Mickalene Thomas

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.

From Mickalene Thomas

I'm really interested in women, particularly the kind of black woman who has overcome obstacles in her life and transformed.

From Mickalene Thomas

Mickalene Thomas

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