Bio

Rachel Elise Thomas (b. 1988) — from Detroit, Michigan and primarily raised in the predominantly Black, neighboring suburbs of Southfield, which significantly shaped and broadened their perspectives regarding space, location, and community. This influence greatly impacted how they create and think about art and design—appreciating what different environments can offer, while also recognizing the importance of finding harmony between them.

Thomas identifies an interdisciplinary artist, designer, and archivist, working within lens-based approaches — employing collage, printmaking, sculpture, and site-specific installation to explore the intricate nuances of their personal identity. Utilizing their personal and familial archive, and their collection of magazines such as Ebony, Essence, Jet, and Vibe—Thomas compares the past to the present, revealing that despite superficial changes, many underlying issues, such as white supremacy, prejudice, consumerism, and beauty standards, remain persistent; these issues are simply repackaged and rebranded for a new era.

In 2019, Thomas received their BFA in Photography from the College for Creative Studies. In 2024, Thomas earned their MFA from the Cranbrook Academy of Art, with an emphasis in Photography—the same year, Thomas was a recipient of the Aperture & Google Pixel Creator Labs Photo Fund. In 2025, Thomas will attend the Château Orquevaux Artist Residency in France.