Alma Thomas retrospective at Mnuchin Gallery highlights White House connections and artistic evolution

Alma Thomas: Resurrection is currently showcased at the Mnuchin Gallery in New York, running from September 10 to October 19, 2019, at 45 East 78th Street. Curated by Sukanya Rajaratnam, this exhibition marks Thomas's first display on the Upper East Side since 1976, featuring her works from 1959 to 1976. It includes rare paper pieces that reveal her artistic journey. Thomas, who lived from 1891 to 1978, was the first African-American woman to have a solo exhibition at The Whitney Museum in 1972. Notably, her painting Resurrection became part of the White House collection in 2014. Additionally, Michelle Obama selected her work Skylight for the White House in 2009. Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Thomas moved to Washington, DC, in 1907. She earned her fine arts degree from Howard University in 1924, taught art for 35 years, and received her master's from Columbia University in 1934. Although she struggled with severe arthritis, she experienced an artistic breakthrough around 1960, drawing inspiration from the Apollo missions, her gardens, and color theories by Johannes Itten. A significant retrospective is set for 2021-22 at the Columbus Museum and Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia.