MIAMI ART WEEK 2021
MATTE partnered with Gucci in celebrating renowned 21st-century artist Mickalene Thomas by bringing to life an immersive experience at Art Basel Miami for the launch of the artist's first comprehensive monograph in partnership with Phaidon.
Mickalene Thomas
Mickalene Thomas’ critically acclaimed and extensive body of work has spanned painting, collage, photography, video, and the immersive installations that have become her signature.
With influences ranging from nineteenth century painting to popular culture, Thomas articulates a complex and empowering vision of aspiration and self-image through gender and race while expanding on and subverting common definitions of beauty, sexuality, and celebrity. Her book is the first to survey the breadth of her extraordinary career.
We brought Thomas’ visual world into the physical above Gucci’s retail store at Paradise Plaza in the Design District. Inspired by the 1970’s themes in Thomas’ work and the disco style of Gucci and Balenciaga’s Hacker Collection, MATTE transformed the space into three distinct areas united by mirrors, bold colors, and disco energy.
Beneath light emanating from a custom WILD AND SOMEWHAT DISRUPTIVE neon installation, guests had the chance for an intimate moment with Thomas, taking home a new Monograph tome with a personalized message.
Illuminated by thematic light installations and a rich gemstone ambiance drawn from the artist’s signature use of color, guests danced to sounds by DJ Kitty Ca$h.
Bites were provided by James Beard awarded chef Nina Compton of Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro (BABs). According to VOGUE, “everyone was at the Gucci x Mickalene Thomas party”.
