Framed Narratives: A Carol Shumas Retrospective

Carol Shumas (1954–2021) was known for her boldly coloured narrative paintings, of which she produced hundreds in her lifetime. An appreciation of theatrical productions influenced her compositional style, with many of her pictures resembling stage sets. Her paintings, which cover a range of subjects—family gatherings, community quilting, pillow fights, weddings, dances and boxing matches—exude a joyous, lived-in feeling. Often she would paint herself and family members into her pictures. She was known for casting animals as well.