Mildred Thompson, an American artist of Afro-Latina descent, is a name less heard in mainstream art discussions but one whose work resonates deeply with the complexities of life, energy, and the universe. Working across painting, sculpture, and printmaking, Thompson explored themes like sound, light, and cosmic energy, translating abstract scientific concepts into visually mesmerizing compositions. Her vibrant, rhythmic canvases teem with movement, evoking the unseen forces that shape our world. Although she faced the challenges of marginalization in the U.S. art scene, her career flourished in Europe, where her work was more widely appreciated.
Thompson’s abstract work is grounded in a fusion of spirituality, science, and nature, drawing heavily on influences from her studies in Germany. Her pieces often feel like visual interpretations of cosmic phenomena, emphasizing that the unseen is as powerful as the seen. This pursuit of representing energy—what she called “invisible forces”—makes her work timeless and highly unique. Despite the barriers she faced as a Black woman in the predominantly white male art world of her time, her legacy continues to grow as her work is re-evaluated and celebrated by a new generation of art lovers.
Thompson’s work deserves to be included in conversations about abstraction and modernism, not only because of her distinctive vision but also because of the way she pushed against the confines of her identity. She continues to inspire today, with her pieces exhibited in major institutions such as the Smithsonian and in private collections worldwide. In a time when the contributions of Black women artists are increasingly recognized, Thompson’s work serves as a vital touchstone for anyone interested in the intersections of art, science, and spiritual exploration.
