Saginaw Art Museum
April 26 - August 27, 2023
Mickayel Thurin: Big Energy
Saginaw Art Museum
April -August 2023
Mickayel Thurin: Big Energy
Mickayel Thurin’s first solo museum exhibition is now on view at the Saginaw Art Museum in Saginaw, Michigan.
Official Big Energy Poster
Big Energy features a selection of works from Thurin’s last exhibition at Gross McCleaf, alongside a new body of work that incorporates her signature fabric, paint and tufting collages. These materials connect domestic and folk arts with media of traditional fine arts.
Thurin’s work skillfully communicates complex internal states through the use of shape, pattern, imagery and text. Figures, often self portraits, morph and mix with the richly layered, activated spaces that surround them. Image, pattern and text emerge as internal monologues, or diaristic affirmations, and often compete for dominance in her compositions. The resulting tension can be likened to shifting states of consciousness, an emotional existence encroaching on physical experience.
The Best Thing Is To Have No Fear
33" x 23"
Mixed Media On Primary Tufting Cloth
Courtesy of Ahmed Ali Akbar
Head-Image
Mickayel Thurin in her studio
Be Love, 11" x 8", Mixed Media
Mickayel Thurin is a Haitian American artist who grew up in the Mid-Atlantic region. She completed a four-year certificate and BFA in a joint program through the University of Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Thurin is the founder and executive director of Seen Heard Connected, a nonprofit organization bringing awareness and financial assistance to marginalized people. Three portraits and audio recordings of interviews from the Seen Heard Connected program are part of Awakening. Thurin lives and works in Philadelphia with her husband, fellow artist Benjamin Passione, and their son, Maurice.
Mickayel Thurin in her studio
Mickayel Thurin at her show in the Saginaw Art Museum!
Opening night for Big Energy
Visitors on opening night
Mickayel Thurin presents her work to visitors at the museum
Visitors on opening night
Visitors on opening night
Visitors on opening night