Mickalene Thomas
Mickalene Thomas, born in 1971, is an artistic force to be reckoned with. She's revolutionized contemporary visual language with her intricate paintings, collages, and installations. Best known for her signature rhinestone-adorned artworks, Thomas's representations of African-American women are both a celebration and a critique of societal norms around beauty and femininity. Having exhibited at The Brooklyn Museum, The Smithsonian, and more, Thomas's art continues to inspire dialogues on race, gender, and beauty.