Adam Romano Explores Life, History and the Beauty of the Uncomfortable in Two Fall Exhibitions

Through American Witches and The Other Art Fair Atlanta, the fine artist invites audiences to look at mortality not simply as something to fear, but as a natural part of the human experience.

There are some subjects we naturally shy away from. Death is often one of them.

It can feel frightening, heavy and uncomfortable to discuss, but it is also one of the few experiences that connects every generation. For fine artist Adam Romano, acknowledging that reality creates an opportunity to think more intentionally about life, history and the stories people leave behind.

This fall, Romano brings that perspective to two exhibitions in the Southeast: his solo exhibition American Witches at The Arts Center in Athens, Tennessee, and a presentation of original works at The Other Art Fair Atlanta. Together, the exhibitions offer audiences two different ways to experience Romano’s distinctive combination of classical technique and a modern, surreal and darker aesthetic.

While the subject matter may initially sound intimidating, Romano’s work is not simply about making death feel scary. Instead, it creates room to look at something we often avoid and consider what it can teach us about being alive.

Revisiting the People Behind the Salem Witch Trials

In American Witches, Romano turns his attention to one of the most recognizable—and tragic—chapters of early American history.

Running September 25 through October 30, 2026, the solo exhibition features 12 original oil and acrylic paintings along with one preparatory drawing. The works depict individuals accused during the Salem witch trials of 1692, using posthumous portraiture to give renewed presence to people whose identities can easily become overshadowed by the larger historical story.

Instead of approaching the Salem witch trials only through dates, accusations and historical accounts, Romano’s portraits invite viewers to consider the individuals themselves.

There is something deeply human about that approach. History can sometimes make people feel distant, but portraiture has the ability to bring them closer. These were real people who experienced fear, judgment and loss. Romano’s work creates an opportunity to remember them as more than characters in a story from centuries ago.

The exhibition will also coincide with The Arts Center’s production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. On October 2, American Witches will host its opening reception from 5 to 7 p.m., followed immediately by the opening performance of the play at 7 p.m.

The pairing creates an interesting evening of visual art and theater centered around history, memory and the consequences of fear.

A Different Conversation in Atlanta

Romano will continue his fall exhibition schedule in Atlanta at The Other Art Fair, taking place October 1–4.

His Atlanta presentation expands beyond a specific historical moment. Romano will showcase newly completed ink and acrylic paintings on canvas as well as fine ink works on paper, with the collection examining death through themes of generational land and humanity.

And while death remains part of the conversation, there is a larger idea underneath it.

Mortality can be scary. It can also be reality.

Romano’s work makes space for both truths to exist at once. Instead of asking audiences to become comfortable with death, the work encourages them to acknowledge it—and perhaps leave thinking a little more about life.

That perspective is reflected in Romano’s own description of his art. He characterizes his work as a macabre mixture of classical technique with modern, realistic and surrealistic elements, designed to create feelings ranging from curiosity to empathy. He approaches death in what he calls an observational and matter-of-fact way, ultimately connecting it back to “Death, Life, and Humanity.”

In that sense, the darkness in Romano’s work does not have to make the experience itself feel dark.

There can also be curiosity in it. Reflection. History. Conversation. Even an appreciation for the ordinary moments of life that become more meaningful when we remember they are not permanent.

An Unconventional Journey Into Fine Art

Romano’s own story is nearly as distinctive as his work.

Born in Chicago and raised in the carnival business, he developed a background shaped by travel and observation. He later became a tattooist before retiring from the profession and continuing his work as a fine artist and curator. Today, his work has been shown in galleries and museums across the United States.

His artistic practice brings those experiences together through classical technique, craft and surreal imagery while returning repeatedly to questions surrounding mortality and the human condition.

That makes his two upcoming exhibitions feel connected even though they tell different stories.

American Witches asks audiences to look backward and remember people whose lives were shaped by a painful moment in American history. His presentation at The Other Art Fair Atlanta broadens the conversation, exploring mortality alongside ideas of land, generations and humanity.

Neither requires viewers to have all the answers.

Perhaps the invitation is simply to look.

To be curious about something that may initially feel uncomfortable. To remember that even though mortality can be scary, it is part of reality. And, perhaps most importantly, to allow that reality to make life feel a little more precious.

Exhibition Information: American Witches will be on view September 25–October 30, 2026, at The Arts Center in Athens, Tennessee, with an opening reception October 2 from 5–7 p.m. Romano will also exhibit at The Other Art Fair Atlanta from October 1–4, 2026.

More information about Adam Romano and his work can be found through Romano Gothic Art and on Instagram at @Romano_Gothic_Art.