American - Artist | January 28, 1971 -
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
MirrorYourselfWorldViewPowerful
In my family, growing up, the women were always the ones who were powerful, and they exuded this charisma of empowerment that I hold onto and always remember. I had some difficult times, but these strong women were always a constant.
FamilyWomenGrowing UpStrong
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.
LifeMomentExperienceDeathLearn
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.
MeImportantAlwaysUpSomething
I don't see myself as a photographer. I still see the photographs and collages as a resource for the painting.
MyselfPaintingPhotographerSee
Beauty has always been an element of discussion for black women, whether or not we were the ones having the conversation.
BeautyWomenBlackConversationBeen
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.
WomenYourselfBlackAlwaysDressing
I am proud to be able to exhibit my work and inspire young people. Especially young black women so they know that they are beautiful, that they don't have to hold onto any negative stereotypes.
WorkWomenBeautifulI AmPeople
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.
ThinkSomeoneYouArtistKnowWhy
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.
GameProudBlackAmericanShameWho
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.
YourselfWorldYouWayMysterious
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.
WorkArtWomanBlackPoliticalYou
Copyright © 2024 QuotesDict Mickalene Thomas quotes