Landscape Through the Eyes of New York-based Artist

My photo of a portion of Mikalene Thomas' "faux real" installation at the Norton Museum of Art.

I was pleasantly surprised when I heard I could see one of Mikalene Thomas' creations here in South Florida. The New York-based mixed-media artist created "faux real," a vinyl mural composed of digital images and photographs depicting a landscape along with items such as faux linoleum and collage material, in different shapes and sizes. It's the third site specific artwork for the Norton Museum of Art's lobby installation series. And it's the first mural-sized artwork Thomas created outside of New York.

In a video produced by WPBT2, she said she has been working with landscape images since 2008; her first landscape was based on Hudson River School paintings she was interested in. It was thought-provoking to see this particular interpretation of landscape. Living in South Florida, I connected with images such as the ocean and palm trees, as well as mixtures of different faux materials with the natural scenery, as life can sometimes seem as a false reality, and indeed abstract. Thomas used the latest techniques in digital manipulation in the process of creating the mural.

A once artist in residence at The Versailles Foundation Munn Artists Program in Giverny, France and a graduate of Pratt Institute and Yale University, Thomas is best known for her elaborate figurative paintings of African-American women examining themes such as feminism and popular culture including celebrity. Popular culture has embraced Thomas as she was one of the featured artists in Jay-Z's music video "Picasso Baby" and BET's "The Artist's Way."

In February, "Happy Birthday to a Beautiful Woman," debuted on HBO. It's a documentary about Thomas' mother, Sandra Bush, who had a career as a runway model with aspirations of becoming a supermodel. Though, it would be her daughter who would make her famous, as she was the subject of many of Thomas' works.

"faux real" will be on display at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach through Aug. 31.



Thomas explains her mural in a video by WPBT2 -- a South Florida PBS station Tweet

The Art of Inspiration

"...of Prosperity," 2011 by Mary Sibande front and back view

To say art is inspiring is an understatement in my opinion. James Craft, an art professor, once told me, “Everything you see not growing was designed by an artist," which I agree with. And, I believe God is the artist of what is growing. So, art is a part of our daily lives.

During the holiday season, I was able to attend the opening reception for "Say it Loud!: Art by African and African-American Artists in the Collection" at the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach on Dec. 27. The exhibition was organized by Cheryl Brutvan, director of curatorial affairs and curator of contemporary art at the Norton. It was made possible in part through the support of The Diane Belfer Endowment for Sculpture and the support of the West Palm Beach Chapter of The Links, Inc. Sculptures, paintings, works on paper, textiles and photographs by artists living in Africa or of African descent showcasing art in the Norton Museum's collection as well as new pieces spanning the 20th and 21st century are on display.

As we were guided in a tour led by Glenn Tomlinson, William Randolph Hearst curator of education at the Norton, the first piece of work at the entrance stopped us all in our tracks. It is a work of art by South African artist Mary Sibande made of fiberglass and cotton fabric. Named "...of Prosperity," the sculpture of a woman "Sophie" as well as her garments symbolize South Africa's colonial past and Dutch influence meeting the present democracy. Sophie also represents Sibande's family history as her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were domestic workers. Sophie does not represent a negative image of workers; rather she is confident and the center of attention with opulent garments.

Some of the artists featured in the exhibition also include Jacob Lawrence, Alison Saar, Faith Ringgold, Radcliffe Bailey and photography by Gordon Parks. I think the exhibition is inspiring, educational and beautiful. Although the Norton does have a permanent collection of African-American art in different locations throughout the museum, it was great to see an actual section dedicated to the artwork.

"Say it Loud!" will be displayed at the Norton through March 3, 2013. I might have to take a trip back before then.

Click here to see WPBT2's video of Glenn Tomlinson explaining the exhibit.

An attendee studies "Rio Dulce," 1993 by Alison Saar.

"Man with Flowers," 1954 by Jacob Lawrence