Humanity has come a long way. Back in the day, the ancient Egyptians were content to remove body hair and wear wigs. Now we’ve evolved rituals of constant preening and obsessive self-decoration, and have gone so far as to focus our attentions on minuscule details—like pretty painted nails. We’ll say it again: Humanity has come a long way.

Celebrate the progress at the Nefer/NFR exhibit opening at Capricious Gallery (103 Broadway between Bedford Ave and Berry St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-384-1208, capriciousspace.com). From 6 to 9pm, artist and Cinema 16 creative directer Molly Surno curates a show that features photography, sound, sculpture and installations by Brooklyn artists, all smitten with the love of ornamentation (especially on your polished tips). Celebrate the complex relationship between what is “good” and “pretty” by getting free nail art (sparkles! tiny pandas!) from Abby Walton. And if that wasn’t enough incentive, Luiza Sa of Brazilian hipster dance band CSS is deejaying. Get those nails ready.—Laura Yan