Mildred Thompson: Weaver of Shadows and Spirit Mildred Jean Thompson (1936-2003) remains a compelling figure in 20th-century American art, an artist whose deeply personal vision—rooted in West African textiles, Islamic architecture, jazz music, and spiritual exploration—produced a body of work both hauntingly beautiful and profoundly complex. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Thompson’s artistic journey was one marked by deliberate self-exile, rigorous study abroad, and a persistent refusal to conform to prevailing aesthetic norms. Her art isn't simply visual; it’s an immersive experience, invi…