Portrait of woman with afro with exposed chest

Mickalene Thomas

Portrait of Maya #10

€795

Edition of 732

Sold out

Love this work?

Subscribe to get notified about any cancellations and early access on next releases.

A muse from years gone by returns in a sparkling print by Mickalene Thomas.

In her portrait, Maya commands the viewer from above in a powerful stance – captured by Mickalene on camera in the apartment the pair once shared in New York City. Collaged photographic layers draw focus to her chest, and what lies within. The original portrait was finished with sparkling embellishments, used by Thomas to redistribute light and draw attention to important areas of the composition.

In support of the Broad museum, the artwork has been transformed into a limited edition print. Silkscreen overprints and hand-applied glitter highlight the X-ray-like section at the artwork’s centre, and add dimension to Maya’s clothing and hair.

“I want the muse to see themselves the way I see them – very strong, confident, incredibly monumental and breathtakingly gorgeous.”

Go deeper

00:58

Behind the scenes

00:49

Mickalene Thomas10 collaborationsMickalene Thomas set out to change the face of art history, and that's exactly what she did. In her loud but tender multimedia portraits, Black femme power, beauty and desire take centre stage. Whether it's the artist herself, her mother, a lover, a friend or a public figure like Michelle Obama, each woman tells her own story. In Thomas' words: "The gaze of my work is unapologetically a Black woman's gaze loving other Black women."¹ This deep sense of adoration and respect comes through in all of her art – not just her portraits but her interiors and photography too. The bright Pop Art-esque blend of photography, collage, paint and craft shop materials like rhinestones has a celebratory feel designed to uplift and empower the next generation. "For me, it's all about trying to inspire and make young girls, when they walk into a space like [a museum], feel a sense of themselves. They see that they're represented."

Who else should know about this work?

Help us spread the word

Reviews from Avant collectors

i have now purchased several pieces of art from you and every step, from email notifications to packaging and framed art itself is flawless!!!! Look forward to more!!
Review of Homage for Jasper Johns
Congratulations for the perfect service!
Review of Out of the Dark
The best print buying experience I've had by far. Thank you for all the effort.
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
packaging was best I’ve ever had when ordering a print. love the gloves!!
Review of Interior: Red Couch and Landscape
I'm thrilled with the two pieces I've bought from you all. I look forward to collecting more in the future.
Review of Guardian
It was beautifully packaged and was a joy to unbox. The piece itself is stunning, especially for the price.
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
simply one of the most well produced prints i have ever purchased. its absolutely beyond what i was expecting. so beautiful!!!
Review of Prismatic Head Composition
amazing experience throughout, from the actual purchase to the delivery. it was well package and the unboxing was a sweet experience! can’t wait to have it framed and to hang it on my wall!
Review of La Nascita

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Scott KahnINGERSOLL'S BRANCH€12,000

Available

Marcela FloridoBLOOM€750

Draw

Zeng FanzhiEphemerality (13)€2,500Closing on 26 August

Draw

Piet Mondrian EstateComposition with Red, Yellow, Black, Blue, and Gray€500Closing in 00d 00h 00m