Mickalene Thomas has had a busy week.
It started with the Brooklyn Artist’s Ball, where the painter and collage portraitist collaborated with Dior to reimagine the Brooklyn Museum’s Beaux-Arts Court, selecting table settings and decor inspired by the work of Carrie Mae Weems. A few days later, Thomas co-hosted the People’s Ball at the Brooklyn Public Library, where she helped fête the event’s five honorees, including tenant organizer Aura Mejia and Harlem fashion icon Dapper Dan.
A firm believer in the virtues of collaboration and community, it’s no wonder Thomas spent her week getting dressed up to celebrate the achievements of her fellow artists and Brooklynites. “If you’re not willing to bring people with you and just share your success,” she told Interview, “you’re not really creating impact or inspiring.” As she unwinded from the festivities, Thomas caught up with us to talk about her ongoing partnership with Dior and a recent exhibition that puts her work in conversation with Claude Monet.
