Mickalene Thomas' historic exhibition of Black women at the Grand Palais.
How does one describe an exhibition where one finally feels seen? An exhibition that embraced you while you explored its walls, fully and unapologetically?
Photo credit: Leslie Kwan
The vernissage in honor of queer female African American artist Mickalene Thomas at the Grand Palais was one for the ages. It's been a long time since I have felt like I was at the epicenter of the winds of change, and boy am I grateful that I now call Paris home so that I can freely bear witness to this seismic moment in art history and world history.
Photo credit: Leslie Kwan
Photo credit: Leslie Kwan
The exhibition covers over 20 years of her work, highlighting the power of Black women's beauty and sensuality which is typically left out of the Western art canon, placing it front and center for all to see.
"Not only does Mickalene's masterful mixed-media paintings, photographs, films and installations command space, they occupy eloquently while dissecting the intersecting complexities of black and female identity within the Western canon." — Mickalene Thomas
Photo credit: Leslie Kwan
Book the flight, take the train, get on the metro — whatever mode of transportation, just get here. A must see.
Mille mercis to Le Grand Palais for the invitation.