David Lusk Gallery was recently accepted into the prestigious Art Dealers Association of America, and it’s hard not to think of this phenomenal exhibition of paintings by John Roberts as a bit of a victory lap. Lusk, which has locations in Memphis and Nashville, is the only gallery in the Southeast in the ADAA. This is a big deal, and puts our friendly neighborhood gallery — and its artists — on the national map. As ADAA executive director Kinsey Robb said, the organization’s members “reflect both depth of expertise and a clear commitment to advancing artists and ideas.” All that is a huge boon to both Nashville’s art community and this particular exhibition. Roberts is an artist with a strong Southern pedigree, and his paintings work like a brilliant combination of Eric Fischl and Grant Wood — intimate and odd. He comes about his spooky perspective honestly — his artist statement says he’s a longtime tombstone etcher. Where the Veil Is Thin explores ideas of death, family and the supernatural with a captivating, layered narrative style that feels strange and nostalgic all at once. If you’re in the mood to celebrate great art being made and exhibited in the South, there’s no better place to be right now than David Lusk Gallery.
Through May 30 at David Lusk Gallery
516 Hagan St.
