DowntownÂ
Arrokoth opened at
Tinney Contemporary on April 16, and continues at the 5th Avenue of the Arts space through May 29. Harding forms his sculptures from the wood of fallen trees, turning them into extraterrestrial-seeming artifacts on metal stands that look a lot like the landing gear on sci-fi Golden Age-era flying saucers. The showâs title references the most remote celestial object ever visited by a space probe. The exhibitionâs natural materials and Hardingâs smooth-rounded forms emanate a still calm, but the titular implications of trans-Neptunian isolation charge this display with existential anxieties and cosmic horror. Tinney will host a socially distanced reception on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Visitors are asked to schedule a time slot for their visit via tinney.com.
East Nashville
The Red Arrow Gallery. I recently read a description of
Paul Collins’ creative practice in which the word “diaristic” caught my eye it captures both Collins’ everyday subject matter and observational gaze so precisely. Collins’ point of view is the strongest aspect of his work, giving his paintings, drawings and sculptures conceptual depth while also informing a recognizable style that’s offhand, but always thoughtful and sincere. Again, that description of his art fits so well because his work always reads like notes he’s taken during the day stuff he saw, things he did. His new series of avian watercolors will look very familiar to Nashvillians who might have gotten a kick out of all the winter bird-watching the recent blizzards brought us. Collins also noticed the chromatic pop of crimson cardinals flitting through the falling white; the puffed-up orange chests of cold-weather robins; black squadrons of starlings lighting on bare branches.
Editorâs note:
Most of Nashvilleâs art spaces are open by appointment for in-person viewing. Check the galleryâs website before planning your visit.
Wedgewood-HoustonÂ
In the 21st century, the invisible borders that once separated art from craft have all but dissolved. The ubiquitous presence of sewing, textiles, knitting, crocheting and soft sculptures in contemporary gallery spaces is some of the clearest evidence of this change. That said, all things fabric are not created equal, and not every needle-and-thread artistâs work successfully makes the leap from the craft-show space to the exhibition opening. Nashville gallerygoers curious about transcendent textile art will want to catch