These works are very mysterious and yet they seem vaguely familiar much like the sensation of deja vu. Some of her paintings bring to mind snapshots of family photos while others capture what appears to be a private ritual taking place. There is little doubt that her subjects share intimate bonds or are in long-lasting relationships. Although the subjects in her paintings are often engaged in puzzling rituals the figures seem to be drifting in a realm somewhere between fantasy and reality. Mikell is from Florida and just a month after getting her M.F.A. May 2012 in painting from Tulane University she was awarded the prestigious Joan Mitchell Foundation MFA Grant. Share: