A procession of mannequins donned in Jeremy Scott's garments cheerfully greets visitors as they walk through the front entrance, Katherine Bernhardt's paintings trickle into the cafe area and give them something to look at as they wait for the elevator. “A Match Made in Heaven” overwhelms the Nerman Museum of Contemporary at in Overland Park, taking over several galleries on the first and second floors. The expressive paintings of Katherine Bernhardt alongside cheeky textile works by Jeremy Scott march in lockstep on the floor and walls of each space. Both artists have erratic but distinct and vibrant styles and make frequent tongue-in-cheek pop-cultural references. The exhibition's sharp tone might even provoke an audible laugh.

Particularly excellent pairings include Barnhardt's “Basic Ditto” with Scott’s pink dress from Moschino's spring 2019 ready-to-wear Collection; Barnhardt's “Barf” with Scott's Simpsons-themed apparel; and Barnhardt's “Miss Piggy Shark” staring through Scott's looming "Shoe Wall." It’s as if the two artists have both been in on the same joke for years.

If you take the back stairwell up to the second floor, you might indulge in a brief intermission with Basil Kincaid’s “Positive Obsessions.” Like Barnhardt's Kool-Aid Man, the wild colors (and occasional strictly black-and-white tones) of Kincaid’s drawings push forwards and backwards, vibrating against the gallery’s white walls.

I was simultaneously haunted and pulled into a state of contemplation by the writing strung through many works: “When I was born the world was a far simpler place,” “Call more often,” “My hands speak the language of god.” Though similar in its chaotic style, “Positive Obsessions” provides a calmer, more reflective respite from the unruly world of “A Match Made in Heaven.”

To wrap the experience up with a tasteful bow, the upstairs Cohen Gallery gives us one last bite of Bernhardt's and Scott’s work. Held in between two — count ‘em, two! — butter-themed paintings is a gathering of regal, bling-encrusted garments. At the end of the hubbub stands a mannequin wearing a theatrical red gown, gazing towards Do Ho Suh's "Some-One,” the most garment-like object on display from the Nerman’s permanent collection.

The show is worth a visit for the giggles alone. If nothing else, I recommend pulling up an image of Barnhardt's “Pop n Drop” and staring into the depths of the Kool-Aid Man’s eyes as his OH YEAHs reverberate silently through your skull. 

Both “A Match Made in Heaven: Katherine Bernhardt x Jeremy Scott” and “Positive Obsessions: Drawings by Basil Kincaid” are on view through through this Sunday, October 26

You can join Barnhardt and Scott from 2-5 p.m. on the exhibition's closing day. The event is free and open to the public, and the facility is accessible to people with physical disabilities.

— Taylor Waller is an artist, journalist, historian, and an editorial assistant for The SHOUT.

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