Mickalene Thomas: Origin of the Universe

The Santa Monica Museum of Art organized "Mickalene Thomas: Origin of the Universe," the first major solo museum exhibition for this remarkable multi-media artist, in 2012. Thomas’ work combines classical painting with contemporary popular culture. Her portraits and still lifes—flecked with rhinestones—challenge both conventional parameters of art history and traditional notions of African American female subjectivity. “Origin of the Universe” was on view at SMMoA from April 14 - August 25, 2012. Take a closer look at Thomas’ groundbreaking exhibition, which featured an ornately-furnished, domestic installation informed by her youth in the 1970s.

A limited edition print, Portrait of a Lovely Six Foota #1, was offered in conjunction with the exhibition and is now available through Artsy's Give & Give Back Holiday Sale 2013.