Rhinestones, enamel, colorful acrylics and maybe an afro or two are the signature giveaways of a piece by artist Mickalene Thomas. The New York-based contemporary artist will speak about her visually dynamic artworks at the upcoming Leadership Advisory Committee program at the Art Institute of Chicago. The discussion will be moderated by Museum of Contemporary Art curator
Naomi Beckwith and will explore Thomas depictions of African American women, celebrity, femininity, beauty and power.
According to LAC member Dr. Anita Blanchard Nesbitt, Thomas’ works are appealing to both collectors and emerging artists. “She is known internationally, [she] has beautiful, unique work and a great story,” said Dr. Blanchard. “She has really made her art cross-culturally relevant and she is someone very good to have in our program.”
The goal of the LAC is to promote and sustain diversity at the Art Institute by providing counsel, new perspectives and suggestions for programming that highlight African American artists and appeal to the African American community. An avid art supporter and modest collector herself, Dr. Blanchard has been a part of the LAC since 2006 and became chair of the programming committee in 2010 to help bring programs which feature emerging and mid-career artists to life.
Thomas work can be found at the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum and several others. She also recently completed a residency at the Versailles Fountain Munn Artists Program in Giverny, France.
The program takes place Friday, March 30 at 7:00 p.m.The event is free to the public however R.S.V.P. is required for entry. For more information on attending the discussion, visit www.artic.edu/lac or call 312.443.3133.
