Alma Thomas

Alma Thomas (1891–1978) was an American painter associated with the Abstract Expressionism movement. Born in Columbus, Georgia, she later moved to Washington, D.C., where she became the first graduate of Howard University's fine arts program in 1924. Thomas is renowned for her vibrant, mosaic-like paintings that often draw inspiration from nature and the cosmos, characterized by bold color and dynamic patterns. Her work gained significant recognition later in her life, with a notable exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1972, making her the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the institution. Thomas's contributions to art have been influential in expanding the narrative of African American artists within the predominantly white Abstract Expressionist movement. Her legacy endures through her innovative use of color and form, which continues to inspire contemporary artists.