Beauty has always been an element of discussion for black women, whether or not we were the ones … - Mickalene Thomas

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Lionel [Richie] said, "Yeah, I learned chords and stuff playin' against your albums. "

Mickalene Thomas

Beauty has always been an element of discussion for black women, whether or not we were the ones having the conversation. Out of necessity, black women have always had to consider others' perceptions of a certain beauty ideal, just starting with the skin color.

Black, Certain, Conversation, Perception, Skins, Women

Same Author Quotes

Here I am, the artist, the person, the black woman, and the stereotype. I'm using myself and it has nothing to do with my muses or other women. It has to do with me. You see parts of my body moving, very collage like, flashing, and not speaking, just laying on a couch, looking out at the viewer.

Artist, Body, Here I Am, Moving, Parts, See

We all have some flaws. But when I have a moment of doubt, I find inspiration from being in the moment, by letting go. I don't hold onto what I can't control. Doubt is a fleeting emotion that can destroy you if you allow it to consume your mind and spirit. Each person's time comes at variant phases, and the best you can do is enjoy what you're doing and work hard. It can't always be about you. Life is transformation - the wind blows, climate changes, birds chirp and trees burn. Where you are today is not where you will be tomorrow. The only person you can be is you.

Consume, Hard Work, Inspiration, Letting Go, Life, Tomorrow

I love knowing and learning about people around the world displaying my art online. Also, it's how I learn about new artists that are in various parts of the world. The positive thing about Tumblr and Instagram is that they're a fantastic platform for art lovers. I also like, when I search for my art and it says, "see also or related artists," and I see those other artists that relate to me, at least according to the internet. I think it's fascinating - it's interesting to see hashtags people are using in relation to my work. It's another tool of communication.

According, Art, Communication, Relate, Thinking, Using

I think what I have done is claimed the space and pushed it forward as much as I can in relationship to who I am and how I live my life.

Forward, Life, Live, Space, Thinking, Who I Am

I'm using the grid as formation. I wanted a relationship between the paintings and videos so that way when you are looking at the videos there's a direct relationship to the paintings.

Direct, Looking, Painting, Relationship, Video, Way