Bio
Desiree J. Thomas, 28, is an African American artist who specializes in oil painting. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Studio Art from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2016. Upon first impression she appears reserved and aloof, but her work is quite the opposite. With bold colors and jubilant subjects, her work becomes a celebration. Through her subject matter she shows her vulnerable and playful side, which is something that she, like many black femmes, are often denied.
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Artist Statement
My paintings are informed by my fascination with color and the human gaze and explores the dialogue between the viewer and subject. The human gaze can be intimate, powerful, and assert dominance, thus, posing the question: Does the viewer hold the power or the portrait? It is my intention for the viewer to be subjected to this gaze and its inherent power while being invited into my esoteric view of the world. The worlds I create are not only homes for my subjects to occupy in their stillness, but also a safe space for myself and others to be seen. With its striking and mystifying presence, the unconventional women seen in my work challenge societal expectations and perceptions of beauty through the celebration of their perceived flaws. Within this realm, I utilize delicate brush strokes and organic imagery to capture the allure and humor that my portraits evoke. I mainly depict people of color in a jovial light and take a whimsical approach to my renderings in their interactions with the world around them. I am interested in creating a space that feels familiar yet ambiguous while creating depth that we all can identify with.
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