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Home > Exhibits > Immerse Yourself

Embrace the twists and turns that life brings. SHAKE IT UP BABY!

Marty McConnaughey, Twist and Shout, 2020, gourd, hand-dyed and painted pine needles, 25 x 18 x 18 inches

Embrace the twists and turns that life brings. SHAKE IT UP BABY!
  • Embrace the twists and turns that life brings. SHAKE IT UP BABY!
  • Can you hear the roar of the crowd as one of our athletes take the gold?
  • The poppies were carved in reverence and gratitude as a tribute to those who gave their all for us.
  • Be vigilant, do not miss all the treasures nature can bring to you.
  • Fierce, proud and independent, find the strength and resolve in all you do.
  • Even at your darkest moments, seek the light.
  • Ten years and hundreds of miles brought this piece together, Old friends and new, contributed to its completion. Let your journey be your gift.
  • Look for the little things nature has to offer.
  • Allow your imagination to take you through the passage and find your peace.
  • Can you feel the movement, as the orchestra is playing and the notes are released into the air?
  • There is a certain amount of tranquility, as you explore the elements of this piece. Is it the large turquoise cabochon set in the shell or the gentle movement brought about by the coiling? That is for you to decide.
  • Tic Tac Toe? Football?? Life??? What do they have in common?
  • Can you see the guitar? The performer’s costume? The guitar pick? Can you feel the music when you look at this piece?
  • Life is about the journey. It leads you to your destination.
  • Truly a rebirth resulting from a studio mishap, when a completed piece was dropped and suffered a heartbreaking crack. There is always more than one path. Keep the faith.
  • Quiet times, soft things and gentle moments, be content in these little gifts in life.
  • Tall and lean, suggesting the path least traveled and the treasures you may find there. It’s an uphill climb, it will be worth it.
  • Can you smell the salt air? Feel the wind in your hair and the sand between your toes??
  • Life is a continuous stretch, where there is no limit to what you can aspire to do.
  • Standing stately and proud, do you see the nobility?
  • This elaborate, colorful display was created during the first 40 days of COVID lockdown. Can you see a Kentucky Derby hat? A dancers swirling skirt? A wind spinner??? Note to self: Find beauty and joy during the most challenging times…
  • Imagine! Standing with Mickey, conducting this beautiful unrestrained composition!
  • Watch for the center of balance to create harmony.
  • CLICK! CLICK! CLICK! There will be screams and laughter as you race through the twists and turns of life. Throw your hands up and enjoy the ride!
  • The wonder of a new beginning.
  • Be willing to open your mind and heart to new possibilities.
  • There is no fear in making a bold statement, be true to yourself.
  • Just like a gentle hug. Can you feel it?
Immerse Yourself

4.7.2023–6.2.2023

Join the online Artist Talk with
Marty McConnaughey
Friday, April 28 at 11am CT/12pm ET
RSVP here!

Why gourds and pine needles? McConnaughey believes it was divine inspiration. She spent years expressing herself through portraiture work and paintings of departed pets. At some point she realized her work as not unique, so she asked for guidance, and on a trip to Michigan in 2011, she found her muse. More.

 

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Address: 401 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Nashville, TN 37243
Phone: 615-741-1701

For accessibility accommodation requests including alternate digital formats, captioning, ASL, and assistive technologies please contact Kim Johnson, Director of Arts Access, 615-532-9797.

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