The postmodern contemporary art world has brought us collapsing categories, flattened hierarchies and the defenestration of age-old standards. But it’s still a big deal when an artist lands their first show at a museum. Fountain was Nashville artist Duncan McDaniel’s solo museum debut, and it’s one of the best shows the city’s seen since it opened in September of last year. The exhibition included McDaniel’s paintings of repeating lines in wide-ranging palettes, colorful 3D arrangements of abstract paintings on clear acrylic sheets, and illuminated works complete with built-in backlighting. Fountain created a conversation with The Parthenon’s collection of 14 casts of the original Parthenon Marbles. The show also recast Southern pop-culture icons as figures in Greek mythology. After last year’s Best of Nashville awards, Fountain was the first show I added to my possible nominations list for this year. With Fountain, McDaniel brought bold technique and imaginative materials to rich narratives, reimagining age-old legends for a New South. And the show announced the arrival of the former balloon sculptor as one of Nashville’s ascendant contemporary artists.
