VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

This summer, Houston Center for Contemporary Craft (HCCC) presents two exhibitions that challenge the traditional uses of wood, textiles and other materials, while celebrating the subversive and unexpected.

Challenge VII: dysFUNctional (in the large gallery) showcases contemporary wood art, sculpture, photos, installation art, and videos and that subvert and satirize function. Artists from all over the world were asked to explore and interpret ideas of function and dysfunction in this dynamic juried show. The works presented evoke a sense of humor, fun, curiosity and suspicion—ranging from a prickly chair to a set of dinosaur-like spoons and many other imaginative creations.

Unknitting: Challenging Textile Traditions (in the small gallery) highlights the work of four artists who are advancing and questioning established textile traditions. By addressing stereotypes of gender and challenging the domestic-based, utilitarian objects that are typical of the knitted crafts, the work of these artists completely upends tradition.

Opening Reception: Friday, July 17, 2009, 5:30 – 8:00 PM Gallery Talk: Saturday, July 18, 2009, 2:00 PM.

Images for Challenge VII:

Main Image, above:  Jennifer Marsh, Blue Chair, 2005. Wood, paint. 42 x 30 x 30.” Photo by John Carlano.

Image #1, below - Jerry Bennett, D'Canter, Can't, 2007. Mahogany, maple, brass. 13 x 11 x 9.” From the Collection of Deena & Jerome Kaplan. Photo by John Carlano.

Image # 2 - Michael de Forest, This is My Handle, This is My Spout, 2008. 1/8” bent wood, stickes, milk pain. 16 ½ x 23 x 11.” Photo by John Carlano.

Images for Unknitting:

Image # 3 - Mark Newport, Raw Hide Kid, 2005. Acrylic yarn. 80 x 26.” Photo by Marty Snortum.

Image # 4 - Sandra Valenzuela, Media Noche, 2007. Lamda metallic print. Photo by Sandra Valenzuela.