Opening: Inside Mickalene Thomas’ First Major Solo Exhibit
Author:Lindsey ShookIf 1970s blaxploitation film character Foxy Brown were to have her portrait commissioned today, there would be no better candidate for the job than New York’s Mickalene Thomas.

The artist is best known for her acrylic paintings of African American women, often adorned with glitter and “bling.” Her first major solo exhibition, “Origin of the Universe” at the Santa Monica Museum of Art, introduces all new works, including Untitled Portrait of Quzsuquzah #1, that explore female empowerment in modern culture; April 14–Aug. 19, Bergamot Station G1, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica, smmoa.org.