A large-scale group exhibit of contemporary painting could take a lot of different tracks and still be successful. But for Chaos and Awe, the Frist’s chief curator Mark Scala went for gusto — his curatorial theme was how fucked-up the world is, and how lucky we are to be part of it. Featuring work by well-established and mid-career artists, the exhibit was a master class in bringing big ideas and challenging art to a broad audience of locals and tourists, natives and transplants. The Frist is lucky to have Scala at its helm — so is Nashville. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER
Best Exhibit
Chaos and Awe: Painting in the 21st Century at the Frist Art Museum
Photo: Daniel Meigs
