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

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
💯💯💯 👌🏻
Review of Untitled
it was an absolute pleasure making the purchase Avant Art. Communication was great and the print arrived as specified. i would definitely recommend your company.
Review of Actual Size
It was beautifully packaged and was a joy to unbox. The piece itself is stunning, especially for the price.
Review of Descendent - Lucid Dreamer
Absolutely gorgeous! I have admired Danielle McKinney's work and Shelter is exceptionally beautiful. The colors, the texture - I was delighted when I opened the box. The frame and floating presentation is also perfectly matched to the beauty of the piece. Also, well done on the shipping - it came thoroughly protected. Thank you!
Review of Shelter
This is my 4th purchase from you and I remain thoroughly impressed with all that you do. Thanks!
Review of Fuzz Gathering
You are the best in the business and the nicest people to do business with. Thank you!!
Review of Portrait and Head
excellent craftsmanship and delivery
Review of Trespassers Verdigris

Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

See all

Available

Tomás SánchezSonido de aguas en la noche€5,600

Available

Oscar yi HouCoolieisms, aka: Born In The USA (Go And Kill The Yellow Man)€3,500

Draw

Giuseppe PenoneIl mio vedere futuro - My Future Vision I€2,200Closing on 16 July

Draw

LYLUV New Beginnings€2,300Closing on 07 July