Mickayel (Micka) Thurin

Mickayel (Micka) Thurin is a Haitian American artist born in 1987 in Newport News, VA. She grew up in NY, VA and MI. She eventually landed in Philadelphia, PA to attend the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) where she studied painting.

Thurin’s chief influences have consistently been faces, expressive color, pattern, and texture. Her works play within the realms of trauma, social injustice, the human experience, spirituality, mindfulness,  self-love, and honest vulnerability. She is interested in artists such as Soutine, Bonnard, Alice Neel, Bisa Butler, Amoako Boafo, Evita Tezeno, Willem de Kooning, Mitzi Melnicoff, Lissy Funk, and Jean-Michel Basquiat. The majority of her works tend to be colorful, expressive, abstracted portraiture done with mixed media. They often contain embroidery, tufting, and collage.

At PAFA, Thurin studied under the likes of Jan Batzell, Bill Scott, Michael Gallagher and others. She also met her now-husband and fellow painter, Benjamin Passione there. Both exhibit their work at Gross McCleaf Gallery. The two reside in Philadelphia with their 9 year old son, Maurice.

Guests who register for this event should enter PAFA via the side entrance of the Hamilton Building.  

Image Information: Self Portrait 2020, 20" x 16", Mixed Media .