Mickalene Thomas / Portrait of an Unlikely Space

Mickalene Thomas is a renowned contemporary artist who has created a new installation that explores early American history. This is the first time she has engaged with this topic, and the installation features a homelike environment reminiscent of the pre-abolition era, with period-specific textile patterns and decorative elements. The exhibition also includes a selection of small-scale, early American portraits of Black women, men, and children, as well as works by Thomas and other contemporary artists in a wide range of media. The books essays examine how Thomas's engagement with early American history opens up new ground for her artistic practice and how the project constructs evocative spaces in which the lives of early nineteenth-century Black Americans can be recognized on their own terms.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 23 January 2024
Publisher: Yale University Press

Renowned contemporary artist Mickalene Thomas has unveiled a groundbreaking installation that marks her first foray into exploring early American history. This captivating exhibition showcases Thomas's unique artistic approach, which combines mesmerizing portraits of Black women with large-scale installations that transport viewers into lushly decorated, 1970s-inspired domestic interiors.

In this latest installation, Thomas creates a homelike environment reminiscent of the pre-abolition era, incorporating period-specific textile patterns and decorative elements. However, what sets this installation apart is the inclusion of a selection of small-scale, early American portraits of Black women, men, and children. These portraits span from miniatures and daguerreotypes to silhouettes on paper and engravings in books, showcasing the rich diversity and complexity of Black lives during this period.

The accompanying essays in the book delve into the profound impact of Thomas's engagement with early American history on her artistic practice. They explore how this project constructs evocative spaces that allow the lives of early nineteenth-century Black Americans to be recognized on their own terms, challenging traditional narratives and providing a fresh perspective on history.

The exhibition is distributed for the Yale University Art Gallery and is scheduled to be on display from September 8, 2023, to January 7, 2024. The gallery's comprehensive presentation includes an artist's statement, extensive photography, and detailed descriptions of the installation, providing a deep insight into Thomas's creative process and the historical significance of her work.

This groundbreaking exhibition by Mickalene Thomas is a testament to her talent and dedication as an artist, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging our understanding of history. It is a must-see for art enthusiasts and history enthusiasts alike, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience that will leave a lasting impression.

Weight: 754g
Dimension: 214 x 251 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300273373