Review: “A Lesson Before Dying” at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

Three suspended profiles dominate the gallery space, their silent presence recalling both execution and enforced surveillance.

A close-up of one of Demery’s suspended black head wind chimes shows the silver chain passing through the crown and a circular metal ring, with wooden figurines and black metal chimes hanging below a wide collar-shaped ring.

Kevin Demery’s “A Lesson Before Dying” is on view at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art through August 10, 2025 as part of the Charlotte Street Visual Artist Awards exhibition.

Review: “A Lesson Before Dying” at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art