Oct 20 2018
-
Jan 13 2019
Muse: Mickalene Thomas Photographs [FotoFocus Biennial]

Muse: Mickalene Thomas Photographs [FotoFocus Biennial]

Presented by The Dayton Art Institute at The Dayton Art Institute

Mickalene Thomas challenges current standards and asserts new definitions of beauty and inspiration through her groundbreaking photographs in Muse: Mickalene Thomas Photographs and companion exhibition, tête-à-tête. Identifying photography as a touchstone for her practice, much of her work functions as an act of deconstruction and appropriation—she draws inspiration widely, borrowing various visual motifs including 1970s black-is-beautiful imagery, 19th-century French painting, and 20th-century studio portraiture.

Equally important, the photographs presented reflect a personal community of inspiration—a collection of muses that includes Thomas herself and her mother, friends, and lovers. These muses emphasize the communal and social aspects of art-making and creativity that pervade her work. Nearly 50 artworks are highlighted in Muse, including a three-dimensional tableau reminiscent of a seventies-era domestic space, replicating the studio installation where Thomas and her models collaborate.

Communities of inspiration are further highlighted in tête-à-tête, an exhibition curated by Thomas. This mini-exhibition within the larger Muse show includes works by ten artists that have inspired Thomas. Placed consciously in dialogue with her own work, these artists contend with many of the same themes central to Thomas’ practice.

Together, these exhibitions create a robust visual conversation about representation of the black body in today’s society and provide opportunities for guests to reflect on how various forms of visual culture help shape their own identities and how they, too, collect and process information.

Exhibition is organized by Aperture Foundation, New York.

Admission Info

Free to DAI Members and Passport Holders (October only); $14 for adults; $11 for seniors (60+), students (18+ with ID), Active Military, and groups of 10 or more; $6 for Youth (7-17); free for children (6 and under). Admission includes tête-à-tête< (not sold separately).

Dates & Times

2018/10/20 - 2019/01/13

Additional time info:

Location Info

The Dayton Art Institute

456 Belmonte Park North, OH