Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body (ft. "Girl with Flowers II")

The Wichita Art Museum hosted the "Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body" exhibition October 8, 2023 - January 14, 2024. "The Illuminated Body" featured cut-and-layered paper portraits of Thomas’ family, friends, and neighbors, as well as icons of Black literature. Although they depict everyday people, her intricate and glowing artworks created a sacred atmosphere, reminiscent of medieval stained glass windows or illuminated manuscripts, where the familiar seems interwoven with the timeless and the mythical.

Barbara Earl Thomas is a celebrated contemporary artist based in the Seattle area who draws inspiration from history, folklore, biblical stories, and her Southern roots. Working in a variety of media—including paper, painting, and glass—Thomas’ work reflects on the social fabric of our time. Her work in Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body invites viewers to reflect on how we present ourselves to the world and how we perceive those around us.

The Wichita Art Museum is proud to include "Girl with Flowers II" as part of their permanent colllection.

Barbara Earl Thomas: The Illuminated Body was organized by the Chrysler Museum of Art.
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Barbara Earl Thomas - Artist & Maker
Charity Harmon - Editor & Camera Operator
KaCey Green - Camera Operator
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WICHITA ART MUSEUM
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BARBARA EARL THOMAS
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