Mickalene Thomas, Portrait of Mnonja, 2010. Rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel on wood panel. Courtesy of the artist and Smithsonian American Art Museum.
SAAM’s website and physical spaces hold artworks and resources aplenty to take a deep dive into the presence and impact of African American artists on our world. In honor of Black History Month, here are a few of our favorite videos of artists speaking about their life, work, and inspiration.
In these "Meet the Artists" videos, Mickalene Thomas discusses the unlimited creativity that comes with the use of non-traditional and craft materials. She examines the Black artists that were influential in her career and the importance of seeing oneself represented in museums. In the second video, Thomas explores her most iconic work, Portrait of Mnonja.
