Hyon Gyon Park, Archbishop, 2013, cloth and silicon on canvas, Shin Gallery, New York, NY
David Row, Ellipsis, 2012, oil on canvas, McClain Gallery, Houston, TX
The much-anticipated, third installment of the Texas Contemporary art fair will be taking place later this week, October 10–13, at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX. It is set to showcase Contemporary artwork from 70 galleries, including major New York City galleries such as P.P.O.W and Fredericks & Freiser. Also among this year’s notable exhibitors are international galleries Misako & Rosen from Tokyo, Japan, and the New Wall Gallery from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. The fair is curated by artMRKT Production, a company devoted to broadening art market prospects for both dealers and collectors, and more commonly known for organizing artMRKT Hamptons, artMRKT San Francisco, and Miami Project.
Ed Ruscha, Archi-props, 1993–1997, eight two–color lithographs, Richard Levy Gallery, Albuquerque, NM
On Thursday evening, the fair will commence with an exclusive opening night preview benefiting the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, where preview pass holders will be greeted with the works, including complimentary hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and first access to an array of striking installations. Mark Moore Gallery will be presenting a cutting-edge installation by artistic duo, the Clayton Brothers (American), entitled Wishy Washy, 2006. The installation incorporates an outlandish mock-up of a laundromat and various mixed-media works intended to embody the oddities of living within the urban sprawl. Art League Houston, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching art programming in the local community, will have an interactive sculpture on display by artist Buster Graybill that plays on the idea of various doomsday scenarios in both a serious and jocular manner. The preview will also grant VIPs a first look at this year’s sophisticated and sustainable VIP Lounge designed by MaRS, Houston’s own award-winning architectural design studio.
Gordon Parks, Department Store, Mobile, Alabama, 1956, archival pigment print, Jenkins Johnson, San Francisco | New York
Following the success of the past two years, including a through-the-roof estimated return rate of 80% from exhibitors and significant attendance growth, Texas Contemporary has expanded their programming to include an extensive roster of offsite events. Among these is a selection of guided tours of local galleries, a walk-through of the exhibition, MOVING/STILL: Recent Photography by Texas Artists, at the Houston Center of Photography, and a look at exhibitions by Wols (German, 1913–1951) and Luc Tuymans (Belgian, b.1958) at the Menil Collection located in Houston’s Museum District. A US$10,000 cash award will be given to one outstanding artist exhibiting new works for their exceptional talent and contribution to the development of Contemporary Art, and their representing gallery will also benefit with a complimentary booth at next year’s show.
David Ellis, Stars and bars, 2013, album covers, resin, and wood, Joshua Liner Gallery, New York, NY
In all aspects, managing partners, Max Fishko and Jeffrey Wainhause, with the help of the city of Houston, endeavor to draw attention to Houston’s emerging market and top-notch art establishments beyond the regional scope with a well-thought out line up that will undoubtedly meet, and perhaps exceed, the expectations of even the most judicious collectors and dealers.
Andrew Masullo, 5555, 2004–2012, oil on canvas, Feature Inc., New York, NY
October 10–13, 2013
George R. Brown Convention Center
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, TX 77010
Participating artnet Galleries Members: