Nashville, often hailed as “Guitar Town,” is more than just a nickname; it’s a living, breathing testament to the city’s vibrant and diverse music culture. A new exhibition, Guitar Town: Picturing Performance Today, at the Frist Art Museum, brilliantly encapsulates this energy, showcasing the dynamic Nashville music scene through the lenses of ten talented local photographers. These artists don’t just take pictures; they capture the raw emotion, the sweat, and the soul of live music performances across the city’s diverse venues.
The exhibition features the compelling work of Angelina Castillo, Lance Conzett, Steven Cross, Emma Delevante, H.N. James, John Jo, Laura E. Partain, John Partipilo, Jenni Starr, and Diana Lee Zadlo. Through their unique perspectives and photographic styles, they bring to life performances from a spectrum of musicians, including luminaries like Brandi Carlile, Sierra Ferrell, Brittany Howard, Peter One and Jess Sah Bi, Marty Stuart, William Tyler, Adia Victoria, Jack White, and Yola. The photographers masterfully capture not just the music, but the entire performance experience – the artists’ self-expression through clothing, hair, stance, and even fleeting facial expressions, creating a visual symphony that resonates with the sounds they produce. You are transported into the heart of the audience, sharing in that visceral connection between artist and fan.
Colorful silhouettes of person playing piano
The immediacy of the photographs is amplified by the intimate settings they often depict. Venues like DRKMTTR, Exit/In, Fond Object, and Mercy Lounge, some sadly now closed or under new management due to Nashville’s rapidly evolving real estate landscape, are immortalized in these images. These venues were the lifeblood of Nashville’s independent music scene, and their changes raise important questions about the city’s future support for smaller clubs and emerging musicians. The exhibition subtly acknowledges these challenges while powerfully celebrating the enduring spirit of Nashville’s music community.
Woman playing guitar and singing into microphone with man on guitar in the background and blue and red lighting
Despite the shifting landscape, Guitar Town: Picturing Performance Today delivers a resounding message: Nashville remains a vibrant hub for music of all genres. The exhibition is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its musicians and the unwavering dedication of its photographers who document this ever-evolving scene. It’s a celebration of a community that is not only dynamic and mutually supportive but also fiercely committed to keeping the “Guitar Town” spirit alive.
Black and white photo of woman bending over backwards while playing electric guitar
This photographic exploration of Nashville’s music scene is presented in conjunction with Storied Strings: The Guitar in American Art, another compelling exhibition at the Frist Art Museum running from May 26–August 13, 2023. Storied Strings delves into the broader history of the guitar in American art, providing a fascinating parallel and contrast to the contemporary focus of Guitar Town. Together, these exhibitions offer a rich and multifaceted perspective on the guitar’s central role in American culture and, specifically, Nashville’s identity as Guitar Town.
Marty Stuart leaning back laughing next to kid with guitar on stage
For anyone passionate about music, photography, or the soul of Nashville, Guitar Town: Picturing Performance Today is a must-see. It’s an energetic and evocative exhibition that confirms Nashville’s enduring status as a true “Guitar Town,” where the music never stops and the spirit of performance thrives. To delve deeper into the exhibition and the artists involved, explore the resources available on the Frist Art Museum website.
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