Beauty on Your Block

Today I'm straying briefly from my primary mission of chronicling yard art in the Heights to highlight "Salon of Beauty," an installation on view at the Rice Gallery until December 11.

I love the Rice Gallery, which is dedicated to "site-specific installation art."  I appreciate how featured artists transform the space, creating an entirely new environment.  Visitors experience these installations and interact with them in a way unique from paintings, drawings, or even three-dimensional sculpture.  The best installations (and yard art creations!) absorb you into the artwork; they surround you on all sides.  And that's exactly what Ana Serrano has done with Salon of Beauty. 

Serrano's installation celebrates the spirit that animates her native East L.A. neighborhoods.  She has taken her memories of those familiar surroundings - hair salons, discount stores, concrete cinderblocks - and created an imaginary city block, lovingly fashioned from cardboard and paper, down to the last airconditioning unit and potted plant.  Serrano doesn't omit the less desirable features of her neighborhood, like barbed wire and burglar bars, but her brightly colorful composition is bursting with such optimism and vitality that even these elements seem elevated, enshrined. The burglar bars and cinder blocks also allow Serrano to introduce a geometric motif that provides visual consistency, knitting the whole block together.

What's beautiful on your block?

Kindred Spirits at Intuitive Eye

Friends and Neighbors, I am very excited about today's post!  When I started this project, I hoped to meet some like-minded Houstonians, but I never expected to find Jay Wehnert, Director of Intuitive Eye and Heights resident.

Aaron, my better half and side-kick in all yard art expeditions, heard about a Heights Outdoor Home Sculpture Tour organized by Intuitive Eye.  The walking tour, guided by Jay, featured several Heights sculptures and discussions with the homeowners and sculptors themselves.  In Jay's own words:

"The Historic Houston Heights is a neighborhood long on tradition. It has a deep history of supporting artists and their work. The neighborhood is increasingly becoming the home for outdoor sculptures. Installed by creative homeowners to enhance their homes and the neighborhood, this 'public' art is a fascinating addition."

Well, you can imagine how thrilled I was!  Although I was out of town for the tour, Jay graciously invited me to his home to share his own collection and his perspective on the yard art phenomenon. 

I will save the details of our discussion for another post, but suffice it to say:  Jay's extensive personal collection and his encyclopedic knowledge of outsider, folk, and self-taught art is simply extraordinary.  For now, enjoy these photos of Jay's outdoor collection, on the 700 block of Rutland:

Jay Wehnert standing next to "Serpentine" by Polly Dahl Smart, an artist he represents

Please visit Intuitive Eye and take the time to read some of the artist profiles, particularly the touching story of Richard Gordon Kendall, whose known works will be on view at d.m. allison art, 2709 Colquitt, from November 19 - 26.  The show previews this Saturday, November 12, from 6 - 9 pm.