This month, the Bechtler Museum celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Surrealism Movement with an introspective exhibition that combines elements of historical and contemporary art. Khalif Tahir Thompson makes his solo debut. The Mint Museum shines a spotlight on the lives of indigenous women, and YoYo Lander invites viewers of her art to explore concepts of vulnerability and presence.

• Chance Encounters: Surrealism Then and Now @ The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Through March 3, 2025 — This exhibition celebrates the 100th anniversary of Surrealism movement — which emphasizes the fantastical, dream imagery, and subconscious thought. It pairs examples of historical Surrealism from the museum’s collection with works by contemporary artists whose practices extend the legacies of Surrealist exploration. Museum admission is free Wednesdays, 5-9 pm.

• Cherry: Khalif Tahir Thompson @ The Harvey B. Gantt Center, Through August 17, 2025 — Thompson’s first institutional solo exhibit in the United States, Cherry features eight large-scale paintings that explore themes related to identity, memory, and emotion. Thompson creates layered compositions that invite viewers into intimate spaces, drawing from the artist’s personal experiences, family archives, and broader cultural narratives. Museum admission is free Wednesdays, 5-9 pm.

• Women of Land & Smoke: Photographs by Graciela Iturbide & Maya Goded @ Mint Museum Randolph, Through August 10, 2025 — Exhibit features over 50 photographs the two Mexico City-based photographers have created revealing poignant and powerful images that examine the intersection of contemporary life and centuries-long practices throughout North and South America. Their works, which primarily focus on indigenous communities, often depict women as the consistent force holding fragmented societies together. Admission is $15 and free on Wednesdays, 5-9pm. 

• YoYo Lander: Between the Quiet, Selected Works from 2019-2014 @ The Harvey B. Gantt Center, Through May 11, 2025 — Presents a curated selection of figurative and experimental abstract collages from private and public collections around the country. The exhibition invites viewers to reflect on vulnerability and the concept of presence while showcasing the ideological depth with which Lander approaches image-making.