Portrait of Qusuquzah #8

This composition presents a portrait of Qusuquzah, one of the artist's recurring muses, depicted from the chest up and looking upwards and to the right. The subject is rendered with dark skin tones and long, flowing dark hair accented with gold highlights, wearing a deep purple garment. Her eyes are accentuated with light blue eyeshadow, and her lips are painted a glossy red. She wears large circular earrings and a necklace with a prominent oval pendant. A yellow rose with red tips and green leaves is held in the foreground, resting against her arm. The background features a warm, golden-orange hue, providing a contrast to the figure. The surface of the print incorporates metallic shimmer layers alongside gloss and matte varnishes, contributing to a tactile and visually rich aesthetic. This approach amplifies the intricate textures characteristic of the artist's mixed-media practice. The portrayal of Qusuquzah aligns with Thomas's broader exploration of Black female identity and beauty, often presenting her subjects with a sense of self-possession and directness. The artist frequently uses her muses to challenge traditional portraiture and the historical male gaze, offering a perspective that centers Black women's experiences and agency. This particular image, created in 2008, is part of a series featuring Qusuquzah, a model who embodies the confidence and individuality that Thomas seeks to capture in her work.