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The news that internationally renowned conceptual artist Dennis Oppenheim will build three 65-foot Splash Building sculptures at the exit of George Bush Intercontinental Airport signals visitors to the great art that lies ahead in Houston.
Oppenheim creates the splash gestures in abstract fashion; but viewers will recognize the action: a drop of water hitting the ground, causing an upheaval of color, amplified by LED lights. “It’s a roadside attraction, a visual treat,” the artist says. “It’s event sculpture: art based on an action and a reaction.”
Beyond the airport, the scene unfolds in galleries and museums. A fine place to begin is 4411 Montrose Blvd., where several spaces show the crème de la crème. Barbara Davis Gallery (713-520-9200) mixes rising stars, such as Gavin Perry, with masters Louise Bourgeois, Rebecca Horn, and Jenny Holzer. At the same address, Anya Tish Gallery (713-524-2299) emphasizes artists from central and eastern Europe and Russia; Wade Wilson Art (713-521-2977) shows Jill Moser, Helene Pfeffer, and Jennah Ward; and Peel Gallery (713-520-8122) presents a cross-section of art, design, fashion, and craft.
Other favorites: Devin Borden Hiram Butler Gallery (713-863-7097) shows light projections by James Turrell and paintings by William Betts. In the “back” room: Jasper Johns to Kiki Smith. McClain Gallery (713-520-9988) shows paintings by John Alexander, Kent Dorn, Andy Moses, and Katsumi Hayakawa.
Texas Gallery (713-524-1593) features Hamish Fulton, Jene Highstein, Stephen Mueller, and William Wegman. Meredith Long & Co. (713-523- 6671) shows William Anzalone, Marco Villegas, and Martin Kline. Fotofest (713-223-5522) exhibits work by Edward Burtynsky, David Maisel, and the Russian collaborative AES+F Group.
Don’t miss paintings by Robert Cook and Tony Magar at Laura Rathe Gallery (713-527-7700); photography by Elliot Erwitt, Andre Kertesz, Andrew Ward, and others at John Cleary Gallery (713-524-5070); and 19th and 20th century American and European paintings at Parkerson Gallery (713-524-4945).
Museums
Museum of Fine Arts Houston (713-639-7300) unfolds in two buildings, a sculpture garden, and two houses. Upcoming exhibitions include Light of the Sufis: The Mystical Arts of Islam, a retrospective of works by Charles M. Russell, Ishimoto Yasuhiro’s photographs of the legendary 17th century Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, German Impressionist landscape painting, and Dynasty and Divinity: Ife Art in Ancient Nigeria.
Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (713-284-8250) explores the relationship between contemporary art and society. Upcoming exhibitions include Dance With Camera and Benjamin Patterson: Born in the State of FLUX/us.
Houston Center for Photography (713-529-4755) is a noncollecting institution with exhibitions, workshops, and courses.
Lawndale Art Center (713-528-5858), an alternative space dedicated to local artists, features Boozefox, Curt Gambetta, Deb Karpman and Kimberly Hennessy, Robert Jackson Harrington, Tobiah Mundt, and Rachelle Vasquez.
The Menil Collection (713-525-9400) plans two exhibitions: Kurt Schwitters: Color and Collage and Vija Celmins: Television and Disaster, 1964-1968. A Richard Serra retrospective is planned for 2012. Don’t miss the Cy Twombly Gallery and the multicolored, fluorescent light installation by Dan Flavin.
Rice University Art Gallery (713-348-6069) mounts site-specific installations. In fall 2010, look for Sarah Oppenheimer’s OE2 exhibition.
The Rothko Chapel (713-524-9839), an interfaith sanctuary, houses 14 paintings by Mark Rothko and serves as art museum and forum for educational programs and inter-religious dialogs.
Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (713-529-4848) emphasizes objects made of fiber, metal, glass, clay, and wood. Upcoming exhibitions include The Paper Runway, CraftTexas 2010, Jenine Bressner Glass Beads, and Leighelena Jewelry.
