A Match Made in Heaven now on display at the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, brings together two Missouri natives—artist Katherine Bernhardt and fashion designer Jeremy Scott.

The exhibit brings their pop culture-infused worlds together for a colorful, vibrant exhibition that’s as playful as it is profound. The two artists celebrate everyday icons turned into high art and couture.

JoAnne Northrup, Executive Director of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art noticed recurring themes in the two artists’ work. “They share an aesthetic, they share references to pop culture. They are the same age, they’re from the same state, and they have a lot in common. But not until this exhibition was underway, did they ever meet in person,” says Northrup.

It’s the I-70 series of art. The two Midwest masters are Missouri natives, with Bernhardt born in St. Louis and Scott in Kansas City, Mo. The two were introduced to each other by Northrup in November of 2023. Their exhibition showcases more than 35 paintings by Bernhardt and over 100 designs by Scott.

It is the largest display of Scott’s work to date. Scott’s collection of designs were created for Moschino, Adidas, and his namesake brand, Jeremy Scott. His designs transform pop culture iconography like the McDonald’s golden arches into haute couture.

Bernhardt hopes this won’t be the end of their dynamic duo. She hopes to see the show travel. “It would be awesome I mean, it’s all together now, so, that would be cool,” Bernhardt says.

Bernhardt is known for her vibrant, dynamic paintings. She blends everyday symbols like Windex, Cheetos, and Lucky Charms cereal with iconic pop culture images such as the Simpsons, E.T., and Miss. Piggy.

“I think people are going to enjoy it and its going to be fun to look at. Thats what I like to do. Have fun,” says Bernhardt.

Bernhardt says that while the exhibit might be a lot to take in, it should bring joy and fun to its visitors. In the gallery, Scott and Bernhardt’s pieces play off each other. It almost feels like a game of I spy, finding the connections between the two artists’ works. Whether it be pink poodle shoes, or a tube of toothpaste.

Everyone visiting the exhibit is sure to find something they recognize. The exhibition is packed full of iconography that doesn’t require a PhD to decode. While the works focus on the mundane, that doesn’t mean they fall into the category of low art. “Artists have been painting everyday objects, like a bowl of grapes, for centuries. So what’s the difference with a bag of Doritos?” says Scott.

In the gallery upstairs, you can find two 20-foot-long paintings of butter by Bernhardt. Salted and unsalted, of course. Next to these rich, buttery works is a collection of Scott’s designs that exude luxury, including a money-green fur coat adorned with dollar signs and jackets and shoes crafted from fabrics resembling dollar bills.

This pop culture and art crossover invites visitors to explore the familiar in unexpected ways. With a unique blend of painting and fashion, A Match Made in Heaven offers an engaging experience that encourages viewers to rediscover joy in the everyday.