News
Release News
Release Contact: Debbie McNulty
Art League Houston
713.523.9530 x104
debbie@artleaguehouston.org
reACTION: an exhibition of art that moves
Houston, TX-August 10, 2004… WHAP, BAM, ZING! Art League Houston is pleased to announce the opening of a new exhibition - reACTION: an exhibition of art that moves by Suguru Hiraide, Tony Shipp and Jim Robertson.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see, hear, touch and “turn on” these interactive sculptures as you move inside and out of the Art League Houston gallery. Artists Suguru Hiraide, Tony Shipp and Jim Robertson examine cultural forces through the guise of artworks that move by kinetic and mechanical forces.
Suguru Hiraide writes, "Living in the United States and Japan has led me to encounter peculiar aspects of these two countries. Some experiences have been thoroughly intriguing while others, truly frustrating. The most striking cultural differences I perceive are the differences between conformity and individualism. In Japan I was taught group ethics where we shared experiences and found support within the tribal allegiance. As an artist, I did not aim to be different from my colleagues. After witnessing many disquieting and embarrassing moments, I resolved to experience and discover strength from each custom and, thereby, create my own way. I am reminded of a famous Japanese proverb, 'Shiranu ga hotoke,' which in English is translated, 'Ignorance is bliss.' My recent artwork intends to extract [the] insensitivity towards the Asian and American cultures. "
Tony Shipp’s meticulously crafted and antique-like sculptures combined with photography suggest earlier historical periods. “Utilizing the imagery and artifacts of popular culture: cigars, shoes, feathers, musical instruments, animal horns, old photographs, etc., my constructions present multiple physical and psychological layers through which we penetrate into a mysterious and ambiguous world of sexuality, mortality, and pseudo-science.”
Huge, moving metal characterizes Jim Robertson’s pieces. Although weighty, his pieces evoke a sense of playfulness. A veteran of Houston’s annual Orange Show Art Car parade, which promotes the pleasures of art as part of daily life each year with over 200 art cars in a rocking and rolling display of cultural expression, Robertson is no stranger to public interaction. His involvement with art cars is evident in his current work of large metal objects powered by the wind…or willing participants.
The exhibition opening reception will be held Friday, September 9th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. On Friday, September 9th there will be an artist talk at 6:30pm. reACTION will be on view in the Art League Houston gallery until Friday, October 21st, 2005.
About Art League Houston
Art League Houston cultivates awareness, appreciation and accessibility of contemporary visual art within the community for its cultural enrichment.
Art League Houston is one of Houston’s longest operating non-profit visual arts organizations and was the first alternative art space in Texas. Founded in 1948 and incorporated as a non-profit organization in 1953, Art League Houston was created to promote the public appreciation of and interest in the visual arts. During the past 57 years, Art League of Houston has provided over 750 exhibitions to the Houston community, showcasing the work of nearly 22,000 artists and over 29,000 students have received instruction at the Art League School. Twenty-one outstanding artists have been awarded the Texas Artist of the Year recognition and twice the award has been given to exceptional patrons. Free art classes are offered year round through the HIV+ and Cancer Related Illnesses Healing Art Group, MS Healing Art Group and Physically Challenged Healing Art Group.