Mildred Thompson

Mildred Thompson was a pioneering American artist known for her groundbreaking contributions to abstraction across multiple mediums. Rejecting representational imagery in the early 1970s, Thompson embraced abstraction as her primary visual language, transcending societal norms and defying categorization. Throughout her prolific career, Thompson created paintings, drawings, prints, and sculptures characterized by energetic mark-making, vibrant color palettes, and complex compositions that captivated viewers. Thompson passed away in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2003.

Unyielding Vision: The Resilience of Mildred Thompson

Mildred Thompson, born in 1936 in Jacksonville, Florida, emerged as a formidable artist whose journey was marked by resilience and determination. After earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Howard University under the mentorship of pioneering African American art historian James Porter, Thompson further honed her skills through various prestigious programs, including the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and the Hochschule für bildende Künste in Hamburg, Germany. 

Thompson's art gained recognition, with pieces bought by The Museum of Modern Art and the Brooklyn Museum. Despite this, she chose to live in Germany during the 1960s and 70s due to racial tensions in the United States due to prevailing racial tensions in the United States. During this period, she taught, traveled, and exhibited widely throughout Europe while producing prolific bodies of work in printmaking, painting, and sculpture. Thompson's bold decision to pursue her artistic ambitions abroad, fueled by her determination and unwavering passion for art, underscores her pioneering spirit and enduring legacy in the art world.

Over the years, she continued to evolve as an artist, dividing her time between various studios in Washington, D.C., Paris, and Atlanta, where she also dedicated herself to teaching and writing about art. 

Exploring the Universal Language of Abstraction

Mildred Thompson's art was deeply influenced by her fascination with science, mathematics, and music, which she believed held universal resonance. She sought to visually represent invisible elements like time, space, and sound, drawing inspiration from the patterns and systems found in these disciplines. Through abstraction, Thompson conveyed these ideas, teaching her students the freedom of expression inherent in this universal language. 

Her works often featured wood assemblages, where the material's texture and form served as metaphors for connections across history, memory, and individuality. In addition to wood, Thompson explored oil painting, works on paper, and etchings, drawing on references ranging from Wassily Kandinsky to Theosophy and physics. Her art aimed to make the invisible visible, reflecting the interconnectedness of all beings on the planet.

Capturing the Vitality of Life through Abstract Painting

Thompson's artistic journey also led her to explore abstract painting, particularly during her time in Paris in the 1980s. Instead of adhering to prevailing art world trends, she pursued a path of freedom and exploration, drawing inspiration from science and music to interpret invisible elements like time, space, and sound. Her series "Rebirth of Life" featured canvases filled with thick layers of paint forming intricate shapes and vibrant colors. In these compositions, she captured a sense of vitality and energy, with swirling forms pulsating against bold backgrounds.

Thompson's abstract canvases reflected her belief in the perpetual cycle of renewal and transformation, symbolizing the ever-changing nature of existence. Through her art, she invited viewers to contemplate the beauty and complexity of life, offering a glimpse into the interconnectedness of the universe.

Mildred Thompson's Legacy and International Impact

Mildred Thompson's artistic legacy is firmly established through the inclusion of her work in prestigious permanent collections worldwide. Her pieces grace the walls of esteemed institutions such as the Harvard Art Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts; the Brooklyn Museum in New York; the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC; the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond; and Howard University in Washington, D.C. 

Additionally, Thompson's participation in international events like the 1992 Dakar Biennale in Senegal and her artist residencies at Littleton Studios in Spruce Pine, NC, in 1993 and at Caversham Press in South Africa in 1999 further solidified her position as a globally recognized artist. Moreover, Thompson's creative contributions extend beyond visual art, as she delved into writing, poetry, and music, reflecting her multifaceted talents.