Review: Mickalene Thomas - All About Love
@Mickalene Thomas
By Erin Deborah Waks
African-American visual artist Mickalene Thomas is not, unfortunately, as well known as - in my opinion - she should be.
When I stumbled upon her exhibition at the Southbank gallery, I will admit I had never really heard of her. But intrigued by the promise of ‘vivid patterns and brilliant rhinestones’, as well as a focus on ‘alluring, self-assured muses’, as the exhibit blurb read, I was keen to discover more.
@Mickalene Thomas
Thomas’ portraits of women in her inner circle are, quite frankly, gorgeous. It’s true some might find the combination of their large stature, exposed nudity and excessive use of glitter an affront to the senses, but I thought them to be an elaborate ode to the power of unapologetic girlhood and the ability of women to stand out, to be front and centre.
Each piece in the exhibit attracts attention. Whether providing an intimate look into a friend’s mind in her own home or a model posing for the artist, the portraits capture an intense individuality while, as part of a collective, contribute to the overwhelming sense of community. Given the focus is on putting Black women front and centre, it’s precisely this balance between the personal and the group that is so striking.
@Mickalene Thomas
There is something poignant in empowering female bodies through ‘feminine’ means. The paintings play on feminine ideas - glitter, the female form, seductive poses and sensual textures - while exuding a sense of power. These women are portrayed as powerful through their femininity, not in spite of it. In this way, Thomas grapples with an innate question of feminism - how can women be powerful even when not conforming to masculine, typical notions of power?
@Mickalene Thomas
It is, as far as displays go, an exceedingly enjoyable one. Yes, it exposes rebellion and the marginalisation of Black women, but it also screams of joy, of love, of life. Each intimate portrayal brings to light just how alive - how intricate, how beautiful, how deep - these women and their worlds are.
It is a striking and beautiful display of art that is about women in their femininity. I left with the overarching feeling of a desire to be painted in rhinestones myself.
@Mickalene Thomas
