MICKALENE THOMAS: ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE

ART SHOW:

Mickalene Thomas
Brooklyn Museum of Art
September 28, 2012–January 20, 2013

Rhinestones, collage, glamour- whats not for kids to love here! Inspired by images of African American women, emblems of the Black Power movement and her mothers photographs from the 1970's, Mickalene Thomas's art engages viewers with a powerful roar. Many of the pieces are collage inspired works referencing historical artists like Edoard Manet, Henri Matisse and Romare Bearden-- so this is a great time to pull out your art appreciation books. I loved the room showing the artist's process where you can actually see all the steps she took to get to the finished product. She begins by photographing models, then she creates small photo collages which act as studies for the final piece. These small studies would be a fun project for your older child to emulate. Collect a variety of wrapping paper, some photographs to carefully cut, and a historical painting printed out for inspiration and you've got a fantastic project for a snowy day. 

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELVES:

1. Compare a photo collage to the corresponding finished painting.  What is the same and what is different?

2. Describe the facial expression of the subject in one of the paintings.  What does it say about the subject's mood?

3. How do the materials used affect the mood of the piece?

4. How would these pieces be affected if they were in subdued colors instead of these vivid hues?  Why has Mickalene Thomas chosen to use these bright colors?

LINKS TO GET INTO IT

Brooklyn Museum Educational Materials

Artist Website

Video of Mickalene Thomas discussing her creative process

EXTENSIONS

For Parents: From the Brooklyn Museum, "Many African American female authors have creatively expressed and reflected on their diverse experiences."  Read the following novels "which present protagonists in dynamic settings that challenge readers to understand these characters in complex ways."  Think about the ways the authors and Mickalene Thomas both represent experiences of the African American woman.

Passing (1929) by Nella Larsen

Their Eyes Were Watching God (1937) by Zora Neale Hurston

Sula (1973) by Toni Morrison

Kindred (1979) by Octavia Butler

Mama's Girl (1996) by Veronica Chambers

For Kids: Read Peters Chair by Ezra Jack Keats and Frederick by Leo Lionni and compare the collage style of these illustrations to that of the artist.  Make your own collages from old magazines, wrapping paper or construction paper!