Issue nº26 / MICKALENE THOMAS

Mickalene Thomas has redefined contemporary art by reclaiming the Black female body and celebrating the complexities of Black womanhood. As a Black lesbian artist, her work explores race, gender, sexuality, and beauty, creating a bold visual language that challenges societal norms. Her work remains an act of resistance, elevating Black femininity and inspiring critical conversations about identity and inclusivity.  For this issue of AS IF magazine, photographer and editor-in-chief Tatijana Shoan collaborated with Mickalene once again to showcase the many evolving facets of the artist. Artist Alexander Yulish explores a compelling balance of contrasts—order and chaos, light and dark. His layered canvases, marked by luminous pastels and bold strokes, pulse with tension and emotion, offering a visceral experience that invites viewers to confront the complexity of the human condition. ATO: Aesthetic Treasure of Origin presents a captivating traveling exhibition featuring the work of six Ko