Mickalene Thomas’ Exhibition at The Broad Is ‘All About Love’

As a seasoned gamer who has traversed countless virtual worlds and art galleries alike, I must say that the Mickalene Thomas: All About Love exhibition at The Broad is nothing short of breathtaking. Hailing from the same Garden State as me, I can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with this powerhouse artist who also hails from Camden, New Jersey.

Currently, the exhibition titled ‘Mickalene Thomas: Love Unbound’ is being displayed at The Broad in Los Angeles, California. This showcase presents more than 90 pieces created over two decades by this artist, demonstrating her diverse skills in multiple mediums such as mixed-media paintings and photography. The exhibition draws inspiration from the influential work of Bell Hooks, with its focus on love as a powerful tool for change and liberation. Thomas emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Black women, encouraging viewers to embody what hooks refers to as “practitioners of love.”

As a devoted admirer, I’m thrilled to share that the exhibit at The Broad showcases some of the artist’s early masterpieces, such as ‘Lounging, Standing, Looking’ (2003), which captures my mother in a series of photographs, and ‘Portrait of Maya No. 10’ (2017), an impressive eight-foot rhinestone artwork that truly steals the spotlight. The exhibition is not just about art, but also includes a variety of events like concerts, comedy nights, and wellness programs, all focusing on empowering women, the Black community, and the LGBTQ+ population.

Growing up in Camden, New Jersey, back in 1971, I was the one who later earned my MFA from Yale in 2002. Since then, I’ve made a name for myself with my vibrant acrylic paintings that feature Black women in their homes, adorned with sparkling rhinestones. These pieces are more than just art; they question the established art historical norms and reclaim the narrative around Black femininity.

The exhibition is on view through September 29, 2024.

The Broad
221 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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