LOS ANGELES — Mickalene Thomas’s art pieces are strikingly beautiful, reflecting her focus on Black female beauty and sexuality. Her mid-career exhibition, All About Love, at The Broad showcases this through a diverse collection of works.
Thomas’s art, which is rooted in collage, features an array of materials and techniques, from monochrome images to vibrant acrylics, glimmering rhinestones, and photographic prints. These dynamic shifts invite viewers to delve into the deeper themes of her work: the self-representation of her subjects, the evolution of Black American aesthetics, and the contemporary interest in Black portraiture, while also challenging traditional art historical narratives.
In today’s world, beauty remains a cultural fascination, evidenced by the booming cosmetics industry and the prominence of beauty influencers on social media. Thomas’s work responds to the historical marginalization and fetishization of Black women in art, as seen in pieces like “Din, une très belle négresse #2 (A Very Beautiful Black Girl)” (2012), referencing Manet’s depiction of Black models in his art. She also reinterprets the works of artists like Courbet and Picasso from her perspective as a Black queer woman.
Thomas’s involvement with the fashion industry, through partnerships with brands like Dior, highlights her multifaceted approach to image-making. Her late mother, Sandra “Mama Bush” Bush, a former model, influences her work, as does her exploration of female nudes in publications such as Jet magazine. This integration of art, fashion, and popular culture underscores her engagement with identity and beauty.
The exhibition Mickalene Thomas: All About Love is available for viewing at The Broad (221 South Grand Avenue, Downtown, Los Angeles) until September 29. This version of the show has been curated by Ed Schad.
