Mickalene Thomas is a contemporary artist celebrated for her powerful explorations of identity, femininity, and cultural heritage. Thomas was born and raised in New Jersey and currently resides and works in New York.

Her masterful mixed-media paintings, photographs, films, and installations not only command space but also eloquently address the intersecting complexities of Black and female identity within the Western canon. Beyond her core artistic practice, Thomas is a Tony Award-nominated co-producer, curator, educator, and mentor to many emerging artists.

Thomas's work has become a powerful force within the contemporary art world and an indispensable source of inspiration for younger generations of artists.

Thomas has been awarded multiple prizes and grants, including the Pratt Institute Legends Award (2022), Rema Hort Mann Foundation 25th Anniversary Honoree (2022), Artistic Impact Award, Newark Museum (2022) and many more.

“ All of my experiences modeling, acting, doing theater, it's all in the work now. And the work freed me to transform myself „

—Mickalene Thomas