Ellen Altfest: Forever

From May 31 to September 1, 2025, the Frist Art Museum presents an exhibition of Ellen Altfest’s captivating work—an intimate and meticulous exploration of the natural world and human form through painting.

Renowned for her commitment to direct observation, Altfest eschews photography in favor of spending months, sometimes over a year, studying her subject matter in real time. Her paintings are celebrated for their hyper-detailed textures and unexpected compositions—like unorthodox croppings of gourds, tree bark, fabrics, and fragments of the male body. Her ability to highlight the subtle beauty of what might otherwise be overlooked elevates the everyday to an intense and contemplative visual experience.

This exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with the quiet, powerful clarity of Altfest’s work and the artist’s dedication to presence, patience, and precision.

The exhibition takes place at the Frist Art Museum from May 31 through September 1, 2025. The museum is open Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Admission is free for Frist members and guests ages 18 and younger. General admission is $20 for adults, and $16 for seniors, military personnel, and college students with ID (discounts are only available for in-person purchases).