Hero of an UV pigment print with embellishments by Mickalene Thomas

Mickalene Thomas

Resist

€675
Limited edition of 27644.9 (H) × 52.3 (W) cm
Artwork
Composition #1
Composition #2
Composition #3
Composition #4

Sold out


Love this work?

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

Mickalene Thomas presents a rousing portrait of race in the USA. 

Originally created in 2017, Resist spans nearly a century of African American history. Mickalene appropriates photojournalistic imagery that centres on moments of racist violence such as the Tulsa Race Massacre (1921), and police dogs attacking a civil rights protestor in Birmingham Alabama (1963). Alongside the brutality she interjects symbols of Black resistance, like protestors bearing ‘freedom’ placards and a portrait of writer and activist James Baldwin. With Resist, Mickalene connects her work to this lineage of freedom fighters. 

Mickalene’s technique of overlapping photographs lends itself to the medium of silkscreen printing. As a print, Resist also asks us to consider how news and histories are disseminated. This edition extends that call beyond the confines of a single work, taking Mickalene’s overtly political message to homes around the world. 

It was using a voice that I didn't know that I had in this work. It was being expressive and just talking about some of the disparities on black bodies and police brutality over a period of time that questions 'how far are we come from this and have we really changed' and 'why are we still here at this point?

Mickalene Thomas
Portrait of Mickalene Thomas
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

  • Not only the artwork, but also the unboxing was was a highlight itself - thank you for your perfect service!

  • It's awesome! The artwork quality is superb! I really really loved everything you did - the gloves, the totem bag, the letter... amazing! Thanks so much!

  • really a masterpiece to add in my collection!Thanks a lot🙏🏻❤️

  • the packaging was amazing.

  • It looks great and is one of our favorite pieces to add to our collection. We think the printing looks fantastic!

  • The work is exceptional and looks fantastic. Thanks for doing a beautiful job executing and shipping it, very much appreciated.

  • Excellent service from Avant Arte! Thank you!

  • I was lucky enough to have been invited to see the creation of this piece of work back in June and met the fantastic Miwa so seeing this print now is just fantastic. The colours are every bit as vibrant as the original.


Discover more print editions on Avant Arte

Le Mat
Available
Devan ShimoyamaLe Mat€1,750
Sacred Flames (Yoshitoshi)
Available
Kour PourSacred Flames (Yoshitoshi)€907
Blue Pegasus
Draw
Cai Guo-QiangBlue Pegasus€1,500
The Princess (Belle)
Draw
Kukwon WooThe Princess (Belle)€1,500