Going to the recent show at the Frist this last weekend was a surprise of beauty, a shock of culture, and altogether one of the best shows Ive seen there. Nashville loves this venue for its far-reaching appreciation of all arts, and I cant say enough good things about it myself. Its interesting though that this show in particular did not have the same marketing and advertising as shows Ive seen there in the past. In fact, it wasnt until I looked at the calendar for the exhibits at the Frist that I even knew that this was the show: 30 Americans.
Gorgeous layout, well curated, well treated, the exhibit seems to have brought out the diversity of culture in this southern city in its bold presence. In fact, its astounding to see such diverse commentary being elicited by this show in particular.
It wasnt a part of the exhibit, but there were post-it notes on walls that were near both entrances that drew you in and made for an interesting statement as a piece of work all their own, even if not a come-to-life-again work of Basquiat or any of his modern, common contemporaries this show adorns. You couldnt have fabricated a more true statement on the current status of southern ideology around racism or its history, which this exhibit beautifully, and maybe too truthfully illustrated.
Its a contemporary look into a history that is as rich today as it was when it was current. And if this is in any way a close representation of the way people in the south really feel, then this is still a current issue, and this is a current event though it mayhave subsided to the canvas, being fought with brush strokes, in theaters and in classrooms.
Head to the Frist to see this current event and history making show.
