From Hieronymus Bosch to Asher B. Durand to John James Audubon, the influences inherent in John Alexander’s work are clear. His paintings and drawings run the gamut from landscapes to abstractions, making for a diverse and extraordinary exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. John Alexander: A Retrospective, with 40 paintings and 27 works on paper, opens today and runs through March 16.

Alexander explores politics and religion in many of his works, infusing them with satire and humor. His compositions have a Southern consciousness – Alexander is from Texas, and events like the Selma riots affected him deeply. KKK imagery and swastikas are present in some of his drawings.

Alexander’s works need to be seen in person to be appreciated. There are often images lurking in the background — eyes, skulls, owls — that don’t really stand out in pictures of the paintings, so they’re best understood when seen first-hand. Many of the compositions seem to connect and overlap with each other, making the whole exhibit a conversation between works.