The finest cultural experiences in Texas are back, according to our cultural adventurer Leanne Raesener, who shares our favorite recommendations from across the state.
AUSTIN
BLOSSOMING THIS FALL
In Courtney Egan’s exhibition, Superflora, the central work is a large-scale interactive video projection. As viewers move along the walls, the floral imagery blossoms, and fades, responding to their presence. On view September 17―January 10. At UmlaufSculpture.org.
IMAGE: Courtney Egan Sleepwalkers (Night Blooming Cereus) 2013 Looping video projection, HD (Ed. of 10)
WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL
The newly opened Wonderspaces Austin, a 24,000 square foot industrial space, partners with artists to present an evolving showcase of extraordinary art to new audiences. It currently features over a dozen artists with multiple interactive displays. Of particular note is a sculpture, The Immigrant comprised of 2,300 wooden balls, by Brooklyn-based artist Michael Murphy. On view currently. At Austin.Wonderspaces.com.
IMAGE: October 01, 2019, by Arseny Vesnin in 2019, art. USA, Portfolios
JUST A DREAM
Artist Juan Mũnoz’s Last Conversation Piece appears theatrical in its arrangement. However, visitors at The Contemporary―Laguna Gloria may enter the conversation space, even as the sculpture’s stony faces pay them no mind. One may sense a subtle disconnect from reality as if confronting the figures in a dream. November 19―Ongoing. At TheContemporaryAustin.org.
IMAGE: Juan Muñoz, Last Conversation Piece, 1994–1995. Collection of Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Museum Purchase, 1995. Artwork © Juan Muñoz. Photograph by Brian Fitzsimmons
DALLAS / FORT WORTH
TO ADMIRE…NOT TO BREAK
Commissioned for the reopening of the Amon Carter Museum in Fort Worth, Puente Nuevo is an immersive experience of large-scale artwork made from materials used to construct piñatas. Contemporary artist Justin Favela draws on his own Mexican and Guatemalan heritage. September 14–November 15. At www.CarterMuseum.org.
IMAGE: A walk through a #papermache #garden #denver #colorado…awesome #installationart by Justin Favela
@denverartmuseum
SPANISH RENAISSANCE CAPTURED
Berruguete Through the Lens: Photographs from a Barcelona Archive parallels this past spring’s major exhibition, Alonso Berruguete: First Sculptor of Renaissance Spain. Featuring early-twentieth-century photographs of works by Alonso Berruguete (c. 1488–1561). Through January 10. At MeadowsMuseumDallas.org.
IMAGE: Copyright: © 2019 Institut Amatller d’ Art Hispànic-im. 05583046 (foto Mas C-80351/1934) Information extracted from IPTC Photo Metadata
MEET YOU AT THE FAIR
Over the past two decades, Mark Bradford has created monumental works of abstract painting and collage. Growing up in his mother’s hair salon and becoming a hairdresser himself, in End Papers, he incorporates in his art the thin, delicate papers used to protect hair from overheating during the permanent wave process. Through January 10. At www.TheModern.org.
IMAGE: On a clear day, I can usually see all the way to Watts, 2001. The Bluff Collection. © Mark Bradford
HOUSTON
OFF THE TOP OF MY HEAD
Hats Off: Halston Hats from the Masterson Collection explores the art of millinery in the mid-20th century through hats and hair accessories designed by renowned American fashion designer Halston. Of particular note is the now infamous pillbox hat designed by Halston for Jackie Kennedy that she wore at the 1961 presidential inauguration. Through January 21. At MFAH.org.
IMAGE: Halston, for Bergdorf Goodman, Hat, 1959–67, white mink fur, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Rienzi Collection, gift of Mr. and Mrs. Harris Masterson III
WHY BE ORDINARY?
Breaking Tradition: Contemporary Approaches to the Decorative Arts features three artists, Sophie Glenn, Steven Young Lee, and Beth Lipman, who challenge the dominant cultural narratives of the decorative arts through iconoclastic furniture, porcelain, photography, and cast-metal pieces. Through January 3. At CraftHouston.org.
IMAGE: Steven Young Lee Gourd Vase with Bats and Clouds, Contemporary, Ceramic, Sculpture, Cobalt, 2019
FOUR FOR THE SHOW
The Mercury Chamber Orchestra is performing the audience-favorite Vivaldi’s Four Seasons under the baton of Antoine Plante, artistic director, with soloist and concertmaster Jonathan Godfrey. Experience the elements of the four seasons with an energetic performance, complemented with dramatic lighting. Special performance on September 5. At www.MillerOutdoorTheatre.com.
IMAGE: Courtesy of Miller Outdoor Theatre
SAN ANTONIO
CAPTURING THE RENAISSANCE
Hollywood’s Sistine Chapel: Sacred Sets for Stage & Scene captures the Renaissance in both theatre and cinema. Six hand-painted, sound-stage backdrops from the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) studio will “guest star” in this exhibition, alongside exquisite artworks from The Tobin Collection of Theatre Arts. September 10―April 4. At www.McNayArt.org.
IMAGE: Courtesy of McNay Art Museum
THE ANCIENTS' DNA INSPIRES TODAY
The new VISUAL VOICES: Contemporary Chickasaw Art exhibition contains nearly sixty artworks of fifteen present-day Chickasaw painters, potters, sculptors, metalsmiths, and weavers that convey a beautiful and compelling contemporary visual story. On view September 24―January 18. At www.BriscoeMuseum.org.
IMAGE: Copyright: All images property of Andrew Feiler
GO BEHIND THE SEAMS
The Witte’s exhibition, Fiesta Couture: Behind the Seams, takes a rare glimpse inside the workrooms where skilled artisans work together for months, hand-sewing embellishments on the iconic gowns and dazzling trains that together result in the most glamourous night of Fiesta. Through November 15. At WitteMuseum.org
IMAGE: Fiesta Couture, courtesy Witte Museum