Mickalene Thomas, Portrait of Mnonja, 2010, rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel on wood panel, 96 x 120 in. (243.8 x 304.8 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase through the Luisita L. and Franz H. Denghausen Endowment, 2011.16, © 2010, Mickalene Thomas.
Connecting with LGBTQ+ artists whose work is included in SAAM’s collection
As June begins and Pride celebrations around the world commence, here is one way to connect with a few LGBTQ+ artists whose work is included in SAAM’s collection, and whose identity and experience in the world connects in some way to their work. We hope you get to know an artist who is new to you or learn something new about a favorite through this selection of artworks, blog posts, videos, and more.
When Mickalene Thomas was in art school, she couldn’t afford traditional materials and gravitated towards craft stores and the glitter and rhinestones available there. Her paintings speak to female empowerment and of women of color owning and defining their own spaces.
