Portrait of woman with afro with exposed chest

Mickalene Thomas

Portrait of Maya #10

€795

Edition of 73259.3 (H) × 52.5 (W) cm

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

artwork is simply exquisite and Avant Arte’s customer service was exceptional as always. Thank you!
Review of Inner Love
It’s gorgeous. it was packed beautifully. i love it.
Review of The Cowgirl
Great service delivering to Australia, thrilled with the artwork. look forward to hanging it once our renovation is finished.
Review of Diamond Vibration (Caught by the fuzz)
Love my new Snowfro piece and all the little extras that came with it! The tote bag in particular is immaculate 🤌
Review of Chromie Squiggle #8107
Beyond my expectations and Avante Arte will be my only source for online art. No others compare to the artists and perfectionism that Avante Arte offers. Thank you.
Review of Guardian
the presentation when I received this was everything and perfect. First time purchasing from AA but very impressed with all the attention to detail from the glove placement to packaging.
Review of Guardian
It was a great experience on all levels...
Review of Lost in Time
Always an excellent job and piece of art from Avant!
Review of Dogs of War

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Few left

Jia AiliThe Action of Three Primary Colours (Hand-finished)€18,000

Available

Guimi YouPoint Reyes€3,000

Draw

David Wojnarowicz EstateInside This House€600Closing on 23 October

Upcoming

Bisa ButlerI Go To Prepare a Place For You€750Starts on 13 October