MINI REVIEW: 'A Salon for Possible Futures' at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art
A room designated for creation of both art and our collective fate.
I love it when artists and galleries take big swings with immersive and interactive exhibitions.
Amy Kligman's "A Salon for Possible Futures" is one such show. On view through December 21 at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park, Kansas, the "Salon" is a warm, inviting space that fosters community within the museum.
From left: The view from the entrance of "A Salon for Possible Futures"; The small entryway gives an effective taste of the rest of the exhibition: beautiful colors and patterns, accessorization that feels like home, and an overflowing cup container of ideas. Photo by Taylor Waller for The SHOUT.
Upon turning the corner into the gallery, guests encounter a circular meeting space. Signs break the “This looks touchable, but can I touch this?” tension through commands: “OPEN THIS DRAWER.” “GROW THESE.”
Along with resources and supplies "A Salon for Possible Futures" includes works made by a variety of artists. One of the tucked-in artworks has a note in front of it that reads, "Please do not turn the boat upright. It is meant to be overturned on its side and laid over the flag." Photos by Taylor Waller for The SHOUT.
"The world s still amazingly beautiful because of the kind people & despite all the hatred and noise." A collection of small, appreciated details from the Salon. Photo by Taylor Waller for The SHOUT.
As someone who grew up on PS2 and Nintendo games that emphasized the collection of treasures, I felt compelled to thoroughly search the room. I emerged with a pamphlet titled “The Hermit’s Guide to Solitaire" and a packet of native wildflower seeds to scatter (“DECOLONIZE YOUR GARDEN”).
Excitedly-taken images show Amy Kligman's notebooks that were available in the gallery for perusing. Photos by Taylor Waller for The SHOUT.
I ended my search at the bottom drawer of the “Sustainability” shelving unit. A sign directed me to “MEND THIS BLANKET.” When women speak to me, I do what I'm told — so I took a seat on one of the gorgeous couches.
As I started to mend, I let my mind wander while listening to the conversations happening around me.
I ended up staying in the exhibition for about four hours. I had the sweetest interaction with a toddler (“Don’t you like it?” the baby inquired. “Of course. Do you?” “Yes,” she beamed), met two other artists, and heard numerous comments in praise of the exhibition.
After the first hour and a half, I invited a good friend whom I hadn’t seen in a while to come sew with me. We gushed over the concept of the exhibition and the idea of using art to foster community in this way.
Conceptually, "A Salon" reminds me of one of my favorite art historians, Herbert Marcuse, who believed that art enables the creation of a world that subverts our reality. Art allows artists and viewers to envision a better existence — even though the world is on fire.
This Saturday, "A Salon for Possible Futures" will hold its last event, Collective Imagining Circle: 2026 from 1-2:30 p.m. in the Oppenheimer New Media Gallery. Amy Kligman will lead an exercise to develop personal, value-centric goals for 2026.
Admission to the Nerman is free, and the facility is accessible to people with physical disabilities.
— Taylor Waller is the editorial assistant for The SHOUT
Installation views from "A Salon for Possible Futures" at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art in Overland Park, Kansas. Photos by Taylor Waller for The SHOUT.
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