Mickalene Thomas: A Kaleidoscope of Rhinestones and Feminist Vision Mickalene Thomas is a contemporary African-American artist whose distinctive style—characterized by opulent rhinestones, intricate collage techniques, and bold color palettes—has cemented her place as a pivotal figure in feminist art and visual culture. Born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1971, Thomas’ artistic journey began amidst the formative influence of her mother, Sandra “Mama Bush,” a towering woman who modeled extensively in the 1970s and instilled in Mickalene a profound appreciation for art from an early age. Through pr…