laitimes

She challenges the art world's hierarchy with collecting

author:ARTISTIC EYE ARTSPY
She challenges the art world's hierarchy with collecting

Artist and collector Mickalene Thomas

As an artist, Mickalene Thomas is committed to challenging the entrenched hierarchies of the art world; As a collector, she adheres to the same principles. Thomas is known for his elaborate work made with acrylic, enamel and rhinestones, and her collages, installations, photography, video and paintings have upended art history, highlighting the identity of women, people of color and queer. Similar clues run through her collection.

While Thomas now looks like a "cultural strongman" — her work has been incorporated into world-class collections like MoMA and the Guggenheim , received numerous grants and awards, and collaborated with celebrities like Solange — her collecting journey began with a low-key humility that began with an exchange of works with other artists. Her artist status and collection continue to grow, and today she has a collection of "stars" large and small in the art world. While the popularity varies, one thing is the same: these artists are all working to expand the visibility of traditionally underrepresented populations, including Kehinde Wiley, Wangechi Mutu, Joiri Minaya, and others.

In a recent interview between Artsy and Thomas, the artist spoke to us about the art that inspired her, discussed the ways she built relationships with galleries, and explained how collecting has become an important factor in shaping the dynamics of the art market.

She challenges the art world's hierarchy with collecting

Derrick Adams, Upstate, 2014

Mickalene Thomas

Can you describe your collection in one sentence or less?

My collection is made up of a diverse group of artists, including women, African Americans, and/or LGBTQIA+.

Why did you start collecting art?

Collecting started early in my career. I started exchanging works with other artists, including Wangi Mutu, Deborah Grant, Louis Cameron, Derrick Adams, and Kehind Willie. Then I started with Malick Sidibé, Buckley Sidibé, and Bachley S. Artists such as Barkley L. Hendricks and Kerry James Marshall buy both paper and photography. Several of the paintings I first bought were from Angel Otero, Huma Bhabha, Arlene Shechet and Leslie Hewitt.

Do you have a piece that people pay special attention to or ask you about from time to time?

One of my most recent notable works is a sculpture by Leilah Babirye called Namubiru from the Kuchu Mamba (Lungfish) Clan (2021). Laila Babière is a Ugandan-American artist who uses ready-made sculptures to express her views on queerness, identity, history, and human rights.

Leilah Babirye, Namubiru from the

Kuchu Mamba (Lungfish) Clan, 2021

She challenges the art world's hierarchy with collecting

Mickalene

Thomas

Can you tell us about an artist you discovered through Artsy?

Joyly Minaya is an interdisciplinary artist who examines the female body in identity structures, multicultural social spaces, and hierarchies. Her work media encompasses digital media, video, performance, sculpture, fabric and painting, and is influenced by her Dominican cultural background.

Can you talk about a piece you recently bought at Artsy?

I often support museums and other art institutions that use the Artsy platform. I recently purchased a mixed media work by Abigail DeVille. Coinciding with the Bronx Museum's 50th anniversary, the museum partnered with Artsy to hold a virtual auction, which I bought to support. I'm thrilled to see artists like Abigail have the opportunity to reach a wider audience through artsy-like online platforms.

What is your collection process like?

I just buy the art that I love and inspires me. I buy the art I want to be in, they make me happy, they give me positive energy – I love art that's full of passion and love.

She challenges the art world's hierarchy with collecting

Kehinde Wiley, Head of

a Young Girl Veiled, 2019

Mickalene Thomas

What are the biggest challenges you face as an art collector? How did you overcome it?

Sometimes I see art that I want to buy, but I can't afford it. However, when I do resonate deeply with a piece, I invest in collecting it. In my opinion, it's a worthwhile investment for myself and the artist.

How did you build your relationship with the gallery?

I have developed long-term relationships with galleries and collectors who frequent galleries. They have all seen and believed my work and have become interested in its market. I want the gallery I work with to understand that I'm a partner in the relationship, not just an artist. We play an important role in the art market.

When you hesitate to buy an artist's work, what important information helps you make the final decision?

I will not go with the flow and watch the current popular collection; I'm always looking for artists who can resonate with me. With this attitude, what I value is whether art itself can talk to me on a personal level. My collection is not a single one, with many different categories.

What do you like most about your identity as a collector?

I like to support other artists and create new collection opportunities for their work. Collecting institutions can be powerful tools for changing the dynamics of the art market, both between artists and collectors, and between artists and galleries.

(Article from)