Curator Eden Deering has organized a group exhibition titled “Hope is a dangerous thing” at P·P·O·W Gallery in New York, inspired by the final track of Lana Del Rey’s 2019 album *Norman F-cking Rockwell!*. The show features artists Kyle Dunn, Raque Ford, Paul Kopkau, Diane Severin Nguyen, Kayode Ojo, Marianna Simnett, and Robin F. Williams, who were encouraged to channel their most exaggerated, ambitious, and passionate selves. On view until July 11, the exhibition blends camp humor with emotive paintings, installations, and videos, exploring themes of vulnerability, performance, and the tension between genuine emotion and theatrical self-invention.
This exhibition matters because it highlights how contemporary pop music can serve as a powerful catalyst for visual art, bridging the gap between popular culture and fine art. By inviting artists to engage with Lana Del Rey’s lyrical themes of delusion, escapism, and audacity, Deering creates a dialogue that resonates with younger audiences and reflects the growing influence of pop iconography on gallery programming. The show also underscores the role of curators in shaping thematic group exhibitions that respond to cultural touchstones, making art more accessible and relevant to a broader public.