From Black traditions to Ozark ghosts, new exhibit in KC brings rural America to life
A new exhibition at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art will feature photographs drawing on the lore of murder ballads in the South, traditions that shape Black identity in east Texas, relationships of people with the land in Idaho and more.
“Strange and Familiar Places,” which will run Feb. 1-July 20, consists of 26 large-scale works by 10 contemporary photographers focusing on the people and communities of rural America. The exhibition highlights subjects in the Midwest, West, South and Southwest.
Among the artists are Elise Kirk, who grew up in a small Missouri town and now lives in Lawrence, and Lara Shipley and Antone Dolezal, who explore an Ozarks ghost legend.
The Nelson-Atkins acquired many of the photographs recently and will display them for the first time.
“The 10 artists in this exhibition are wonderfully creative storytellers,” Julián Zugazagoitia, Nelson-Atkins director and CEO, said in a news release. “Their intimate photographs deepen and enrich our understanding of their subjects, challenging our preconceptions of these people and their communities.”
Here’s what you need to know if you plan to see the exhibition:
‘Strange and Familiar Places’
When and where: Opens Saturday, Feb. 1, and runs through July 20 at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, 4525 Oak St. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Monday and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Thursday-Friday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday.
What: The exhibition presents 26 large-scale photographs focusing on rural subjects.
Cost: Free.
Special event: Photographers Rahim Fortune, Elise Kirk and Holly Lynton will appear at 6 p.m. April 17 in Atkins Auditorium ($5-$10).
More information: nelson-atkins.org
