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Quote by Mickalene Thomas

“Beauty has always been an ​element of discussion for black women, whether or not we were the ones having the conversation​. Out of necessity, black women have always had to consider others' perceptions of a certain beauty ideal, just starting with the skin color.”

Quote by Mickalene Thomas

Author

Mickalene Thomas
Mickalene Thomas

Mickalene Thomas is a visual artist known for her unique painting style and reinterpretation of female images. Her works often blend various art forms, including collage, painting, and sculpture, to explore social issues such as race, gender, and identity. more

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“I see a lot of people who have amazing stories but have been told that their work, their lives, and their stories and not the stuff of literature. Or they're first-generation college student, first-generation American, and their family just doesn't understand the art world. They have a lot of guilt. "We came all the way from [wherever] so you could do this?" Those people may not be showing the moxie, but that's because they don't even know what's possible. So I want to jump in and say, "Actually, your story is amazing, and I believe in you.".”

“I you're writing memoir, but it even comes up in fiction. People just assume that you're writing thinly veiled autobiography. And particularly, I think, for people of color, our work is always seen as kind of anthropological artifact regardless. So, there's always going to be that assumption, but even more so in a memoir because often the names aren't even changed. It is easier to verify.”