Mickalene Thomas paintings are the virtuoso of vivacity and color, emerging from the art scene like a burst of confetti, challenging conventions and transforming canvases into vibrant celebrations. Thomas was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1971. Thomas’s artistic journey began to take shape during her formative years. She delved into the world of creativity early on, honing her skills and embarking on a quest to redefine beauty through her kaleidoscopic lens.
Growing up in a creative environment, Mickalene Thomas’s family played a pivotal role in shaping her artistic sensibilities. Her mother, Sandra Bush, a fashion model, and her grandmother, a seamstress, infused her world with a rich tapestry of patterns and textures, laying the foundation for the visual dynamism that would later define her work.
1. Portrait of Mnonja
| Date of Completion | 2010 |
| Dimensions | 108 x 84 inches |
| Location | Brooklyn Museum, New York |
First up on our art adventure is the diva of empowerment herself, “Portrait of Mnonja.” Completed in 2010, this masterpiece is like a sassy superhero cape made of rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel, wrapped around the fierce and fabulous Mnonja. As you stroll through the Brooklyn Museum, prepare to be captivated by Mnonja’s gaze—a powerful challenge to conventional beauty standards.
2. Zebra with Two Chairs and Funky Fur
| Date of Completion | 2012 |
| Dimensions | 120 x 96 inches |
| Location | Collection of the artist |
Picture this: a zebra, two chairs, and funky fur walk into a canvas. What happens next? You get the wild and whimsical “Zebra with Two Chairs and Funky Fur,” completed in 2012. It’s a funky party of patterns, colors, and a touch of surrealism that’ll leave you wondering if your living room needs a zebra. Currently chillin’ in the artist’s collection, this masterpiece is a testament to Mickalene’s skill to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
3. Tête de Femme
| Date of Completion | 2009 |
| Dimensions | 120 x 120 inches |
| Location | Private Collection |
Move over, Mona Lisa! “Tête de Femme,” completed in 2009, is a larger-than-life celebration of the female form. With rhinestones that sparkle like a disco ball, Mickalene turns the traditional portrait into a dazzling dance party for the eyes. Currently gracing a lucky private collection, this piece invites you to join the festivities and get lost in its intricate details.
4. Landscape Majestic
| Date of Completion | 2012 |
| Dimensions | 108 x 144 inches |
| Location | San Francisco Museum of Modern Art |
“Landscape Majestic,” completed in 2012, is like Mickalene’s love letter to Mother Nature. It’s a landscape, but not as your grandma knows it. Vibrant colors and bold patterns turn nature into a psychedelic adventure that’ll make you want to pack your bags for a trip to the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Get ready for a visual hike through Mickalene’s artistic terrain!
5. Monet & Doorzien
| Date of Completion | 2014 |
| Dimensions | 108 x 144 inches |
| Location | Seattle Art Museum |
Ever wondered what happens when Mickalene meets Monet? You get “Monet & Doorzien,” a visual feast at the Seattle Art Museum. Completed in 2014, it’s like a cool remix of art history, with classic vibes and contemporary coolness colliding on a canvas. Grab your art history textbooks and your dancing shoes, because this Mickalene’s masterpiece is a fusion of past and present that’ll make your mind groove.
6. Resist
| Date of Completion | 2017 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 120 inches |
| Location | Art Institute of Chicago |
Time to stand up and dance to the beat of “Resist.” Completed in 2017, this painting is a funky rebellion against the ordinary. With mixed media and collage, Mickalene transforms defiance into a visual dance party. Resistance has never looked so groovy! Head over to the Art Institute of Chicago, and let this masterpiece inspire you to resist conformity and embrace your unique rhythm.
7. Yellow, Green and Blue Couch
| Date of Completion | 2018 |
| Dimensions | 72 x 96 inches |
| Location | Rubell Museum, Miami |
Take a seat on Mickalene’s “Yellow, Green and Blue Couch.” Completed in 2018, it’s not your average sofa; it’s a masterpiece! With bold geometric patterns and colors that pop like champagne bubbles, this painting turns your living room dreams into a reality at the Rubell Museum. Get ready to redecorate because Mickalene’s couch is the chicest place to be.
8. Monet’s Salon
| Date of Completion | 2013 |
| Dimensions | 120 x 144 inches |
| Location | Norton Museum of Art, Florida |
Mickalene takes us on a time-traveling adventure with “Monet’s Salon.” Completed in 2013, it’s like stepping into a vintage Instagram filter of Monet’s world. Classic meets cool in this painting at the Norton Museum of Art, and you’re invited! Grab your time-traveling hat and take a stroll through Mickalene’s reinterpretation of art history.
9. Untitled #1, 2014
| Date of Completion | 2014 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 120 inches |
| Location | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston |
Get ready to unleash your imagination with “Untitled #1, 2014.” No title, no rules—just a riot of colors, patterns, and possibilities at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Mickalene leaves it untitled, so you can make up your own funky story! Dive into the vivid tapestry of Mickalene’s mind and let your imagination run wild.
10. Untitled #2, 2014
| Date of Completion | 2014 |
| Dimensions | 96 x 120 inches |
| Location | Private Collection |
Our grand finale is “Untitled #2, 2014.” Completed in 2014, it’s like Mickalene’s parting gift to your eyeballs. No title, no boundaries—just pure visual bliss in a private collection. Let your imagination run wild as you explore the untitled wonderland of Mickalene Thomas’s mind. It’s the perfect ending to our art fiesta!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mickalene Thomas famous for?
Mickalene Thomas is a well-known artist from New York City who is most recognized for her intricate paintings embellished with rhinestones and her use of vibrant acrylic colors.
What mediums does Mickalene Thomas use?
Thomas uses collage, acrylic paint, enamel, rhinestones, and her own images as the basis for her paintings.
Conclusion
In Mickalene’s world, every painting is a party, and you’re invited to dance, celebrate, and lose yourself in the colors and patterns. So, put on your art party hat and join the festivities because Mickalene Thomas’s masterpieces are the ultimate VIP pass to a world where art meets a funky good time!
