VISUAL ARTS + MUSEUMS

In spring 2011, Blaffer debuted its new exhibition series, Window into Houston, at 110 Milam Street in downtown Houston. Window into Houston is dedicated to showcasing the work of Houston artists in a unique and highly public setting that allows for focused two-part installation in the windows of a historic building located near the University of Houston-Downtown and Market Square.

Blaffer opens Window into Houston -  Dennis Harper: Fluorescent Fish at 110 Milam Street in Downtown Houston. The third installment of Blaffer’s Window into Houston series is on view Oct. 6, 2011 through Jan. 5, 2012. Blaffer invites that public to take a first look at Harper’s installation at an opening reception on Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. There is free street parking downtown after 6 p.m.; paid parking is available in a lot across the street from 110 Milam.

In his Window into Houston debut, Dennis Harper will transform the two window bays into an underwater wonder world. The magic of the piece lies in its transformative potential offering different perspectives at day and night. During the day, the viewer will peer through the portholes of a submarine at an exotic flora and fauna of imaginary fish and plants. With the fading light, the aquarium’s inhabitants become brighter than the ambient light outdoors, and the image of the portholes disappears to reveal an entrancing maritime scene, which the artist calls “a fanciful underwater nightclub.”

The fish are made out of fluorescent colored paper and lit by black lights to convey the impression of weightlessness. The printed perforated window film surrounding the submarine’s porthole is a signage material that reflects an image on the outside of a window but allows the occupants inside the building or vehicle to see out.

Pictured:  Mock-ups of what Dennis Harper’s Window into Houston exhibition work will look like.