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

Each sculpture in “A Lesson Before Dying” challenges the viewer to interrogate the objects’ layered meanings and their role in constructing racial narratives.

An installation view shows three large black silhouette heads suspended from the ceiling by silver chains, each forming part of a sculptural wind chime with dangling shapes and objects that cast long shadows on the gallery wall behind.

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