The Columbus Museum is happy to announce that the painting,What's different about Alice is that she has the most incisive way of telling the truth , by celebrated artist and Columbus native Amy Sherald will soon leave COMU for an 18-month journey as part of her first mid-career retrospective,Amy Sherald: American Sublime . This groundbreaking exhibition will open at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMoMA) in mid-October and travel to a series of premier venues.

Born and raised in Columbus, Georgia, Amy Sherald has become a significant figure in contemporary art, renowned for her bold and innovative portraits that explore race, identity, and the human experience. Her distinctive approach, using grayscale skin tones contrasted with vibrant backgrounds, challenges traditional representations and brings new dimensions to American portraiture. Sherald gained national prominence with her portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama in 2018, and her work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

“Sherald's painting,What's different about Alice is that she has the most incisive way of telling the truth , is a treasured piece of our collection. Although its absence will be felt, the painting’s inclusion in this important retrospective underscores its significance in Sherald's career and offers a global audience the chance to appreciate her remarkable artistic vision,” says COMU Director Marianne Richter. “DuringAlice 's absence, we invite visitors to explore Sherald’sLight is easy to love , on loan from the Nasher Museum of Art, which will remain on view in the Shorter Gallery until January 2025. This painting is another profound example of Sherald's ability to capture the grace and dignity of her subjects.”

While many Museum visitors will miss seeingAlice on display, for those asking, there will be a sign at the front desk explaining the painting’s noteworthy journey. The Columbus community is encouraged to celebrate our hometown hero, Amy Sherald, as she continues to make her mark on the world stage.

“We look forward to welcomingAlice back to The Columbus Museum in 2025, knowing it will return as an even more cherished part of our collection,” says Richter.