Through October 2
Elvis at 21: Photographs by Alfred Wertheimer
Jepson Center, Savannah
Find nearly 40 candid snapshots of the rock ’n’ roll legend by photographer Alfred Wertheimer on display. The exhibition coincides with the year Presley released his first number one hit, “Heartbreak Hotel,” and the 60th anniversary of the musician’s first performance in Savannah.
Through May 20
A Kind of Confession
Gallery 1600, SCAD, Atlanta
Acrylic paintings on elk hide and sculptures of beaded punching bags inspired by his background as a member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians are on display in Jeffrey Gibson’s first solo showing in the Southeast.
Through May 29
Basquiat: The Unknown Notebooks
High Museum of Art, Atlanta
View the rarely seen sketches and handwritten texts of Jean-Michel Basquiat, best known for his expressive and graffiti-inspired style. They are accompanied by 30 drawings, paintings, and mixed media works.
Through June 12
Make-Believe America
MODA, Atlanta
The use of art as propaganda has a long and complex history. This exhibition explores how the U.S. government used the designs of Charles and Ray Eames, among other designers, to promote the American way of life in the face of communism in the mid-20th century.
Through July 4
Fashionable Romance: Wedding Gowns in Film
Biltmore House & Gardens, Asheville
More than 40 bridal gowns and costumes from film, including Helena Bonham Carter’s lavish, corseted cream ball gown from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, are on display. Also on view at the estate’s Antler Hill Village & Winery: real-life wedding heirlooms, including Jacqueline Kennedy’s veil. While there, explore Biltmore Blooms, a celebration of flowers, from orchids in March to acres of azaleas in May.
May 7 to October 16
Pumped: The Art & Craft of Shoemaking
Mint Museum Uptown, Charlotte
From platforms to pumps, shoes have appeared in a number of shapes, shades, and sizes throughout history. This show explores the craft and cultural history behind the creation of footwear, featuring designs from fashion icons such as Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood.
May 26 to September 4
Hassan Hajjaj: My Rock Stars
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis
Moroccan-born artist Hassan Hajjaj, often dubbed “The Andy Warhol of Marrakesh,” reveals the nine musicians who are his personal “rock stars” in this video and photography show designed to simulate the color and energy of a Moroccan marketplace.
May 27 to October 9
Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance, 1945–1975
The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville
The beauty and innovation of Italian automotive design is told through 19 cars and three motorcycles, including creations from Ferrari, Ducati, and Lamborghini.
A version of this article originally appeared in our Spring/Summer 2016 issue of Style Book.
