Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful

Alma W. Thomas (1891–1978) was the first Black woman to have a solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1972. This retrospective explores her artistic journey, from her early studies in color theory to her abstract paintings filled with vibrant patterns. The exhibition includes rare theatrical designs, sculptures, family photographs, watercolors, and marionettes, showcasing how Thomas pursued beauty in all aspects of her life.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 336 pages
\n Publication date: 09 July 2021
\n Publisher: Yale University Press
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Alma W. Thomas (1891-1978) was a pioneering Black artist who gained recognition in 1972 for becoming the first Black woman to mount a solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Her artistic practice spanned a wide range of mediums, including large abstract paintings characterized by vibrant, irregular patterns. This comprehensive retrospective delves into the life and work of Thomas, shedding new light on her artistic journey.

The exhibition explores Thomas's complex and deliberate artistic existence before, during, and after her commercial and critical success. It examines how her innovative palette and loose application of paint emerged from a deep study of color theory. Essays in the volume trace Thomas's journey from her semirural roots in Georgia to international recognition, situating her work within the context of the Washington Color School and the creative communities connected to Howard University.

The retrospective features a diverse range of Thomas's artwork, including rarely seen theatrical designs, sculptures, family photographs, watercolors, and marionettes. These pieces showcase how Thomas's pursuit of beauty extended to every facet of her life, from her exuberant abstractions to the conscientious construction of her own persona through community service, teaching, and gardening.

Published in association with The Columbus Museum and the Chrysler Museum of Art, the retrospective is scheduled to be exhibited at various venues throughout 2021 and 2022. The exhibition at the Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, VA, will run from July 9 to October 3, 2021. It will then travel to the Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, from October 30, 2021, to January 23, 2022. The exhibition will conclude at the Frist Art Museum in Nashville from February 25 to June 5, 2022. Finally, it will return to the Columbus Museum in Georgia from July 1 to September 25, 2022.

Alma W. Thomas's legacy as a pioneering Black artist continues to inspire and influence contemporary art, and this retrospective offers a valuable opportunity to explore her remarkable journey and artistic achievements.

\n Weight: 2254g\n
Dimension: 249 x 300 x 34 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780300258936\n \n