WHAT IF ANYONE could be an artist? Or, to put it another way, what if the tools of creativity — regardless of the medium, be it dance, writing, music or visual art — were accessible to all of us, and more often than not, simply lay dormant due to circumstance, socio-economic challenges, and self-doubt?
These are not the questions Houston artist NEGRASSO is dealing with in his solo exhibit Macrocosm, which goes up Feb. 3 at Art Is Bond Gallery, but they come to mind after one learns a bit more about his biography.
Born in 1952, raised in the Third Ward, and now settled in the Heights, NEGRASSO was compelled to acknowledge and honor his creative calling relatively late in life after a health scare in 2001. The details about this awakening are few in the show’s press release, and there’s no information about the man’s provocative all-caps moniker. What we do have is his transcendent, highly tactile art, including paintings that date back to 2016, and recent explorations in pure abstraction evoking the totality of existence as seen through the eyes of our elders. Charming, figurative works like “Jazz Man” and “Lady in Waiting” are more straightforward, even as NEGRASSO’s brush strokes seem to vibrate like air molecules stimulated by breath through the bell of a saxophone. In fact, the viewer might consider looking at NEGRASSO’s paintings the same way one listens to and experiences music.
Macrocosm is evidence that in each life there is always time for a creative renaissance, so long as one is willing to pick up the proverbial brush.
From Your Site Articles
- Christopher Paul Creates Wearable Masterpieces — and Encourages Viewers to ‘Untether’ from Racism ›
- Photographer Ming Smith, Whose Work Is the Subject of Multiple Exhibits this Month, Talks Music and Moxie ›
- Must-See Art: Montrose Galleries Hang Six New Shows at 4411 Complex ›
- Ghanaian Street Artist Showcases ‘Spirited’ Portraits in First U.S. Show ›
- A Gallery Should Be About More Than Buying and Selling Art, Says Newly Minted Gallerist Janice Bond ›
Related Articles Around the Web
Keep Reading
Show less
IT’S SET: 49ERS and Chiefs, Feb. 11. Up your game on Super Bowl Sunday with nachos, wings, pizza, burgers, beer and eclectic bites meant to feed a partying crowd. Here’s where to score!
Loro
Gear up for the ultimate Big Game bash with Loro’s Super Bowl to-go packs. Choose from fan-favorite items now available in larger a la carte sizing for sharing and savoring. Order before Feb. 8, and schedule for pickup on game day, Feb. 11. Menu highlights include 20 Smoked Wings with sauces ($35); Smoked Baby Back Duroc Pork Ribs served with fixings (GF) (Half Rack $16.75 / Full Rack $33.50); Chicken Karaage ($34.50); Sesame Rice Noodles (GF) ($19.50), and more.
State Fare Kitchen & Bar
State Fare nachos to-go
On Feb. 11, pick up party boxes for the big game to watch at home. Rather dine in? State Fare will have multiple TVs tuned into the game and a special board ($45) that includes three types of boneless chicken wings, sauces, celery sticks and carrot sticks, blue cheese dressing, pickle dip, chips, and more. The Party Box (serves 4-6, $55) includes: Frito Pie with Texas chili, sharp shredded cheddar, queso blanco, onions, and jalapenos; house made pickle dip with barbecue chips; and guacamole and tortilla chips.
Holman Draft Hall
Game-day bites at Holman (photo by Emily Vitek)
Doors open at 11am and Game Day Boards will be available for $100 (feeds 7-9). A board includes lemon-pepper wings, chicken strips, BBQ ribs, guacamole, crispy fries, pretzel bites, baby potatoes and mini burger sliders. Build your own bloody Marys and micheladas, or opt for carafes of mimosas with the juice of your choice.
Pizaro's
Pizaro's
Snag ten percent off when you pre-order for the big game and use code PREGAME! Place pre-orders online or call either location. Make sure to select “scheduled pick up” or “delivery” for Feb. 11 at checkout. Pizaro’s serves award-winning Napoletana, New York, and Detroit style pizzas in Memorial and Montrose.
Moxies
Savor the local craft drafts or signature cocktails as you share classics like the freshly smashed guacamole, poutine, and the One Pound Cheese Nachos. Beyond all the large screen TVs for Super Bowl viewing, check-out the fun games on tap with prizes, including a 55-inch TV, AirPods, and gift card giveaways.
Axelrad
Puppy bowl at Axelrad
Midtown’s fave beer garden will celebrate the Super Bowl with humans and their four-legged friends. On Feb. 11, the bar will host their version of the Puppy Bowl with adoptable pups from Catie's Foster Farm from 3-7pm. There will also be a puppy bar serving dog-friendly mocktails, and naturally, the big game will be shown on the bar’s outdoor big screen following the day’s festivities.
Willie's Grill & Icehouse
Frozen Jack & Coke at Willie's
Game-watching all-day drink specials include $2 draft beers and $4 frozen specialty cocktails, such as hurricanes, Jack & Coke, and margaritas. SuperBoil Week Party Packs to go are also available in honor of Mardi Gras and Super Bowl week. The Cajun Party Bundle (feeds 6; $99) and the Big Game Bundle (Willie’s famous wings, house made brisket mac & cheese balls, chips and queso and a gallon of tea; feeds 6, $59). Pre-order online.
Dandelion Cafe
Pancakes at Dandelion (photo by Marlen Mendoza)
Make breakfast easy while prepping for game-day festivities with family packs. Choose from the Basic Bundle including eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, and jam; the Sweet Tooth Pack which includes buttermilk pancakes or French toast; or breakfast tacos and choices of house-made sausages. Breakfast packs are customizable and sized for 4-15 people ($40 to $150). Call or place an order by emailing catering@dandelionhouston.com.
Sylvia's Enchilada Kitchen
Sylvia's Enchiladas
Owner Sylvia Casares is making sure her football fans are taken care of at home. Craving her famous pork or chicken tamales? They will be flagged for $22 a dozen. The group can also tackle her namesake enchiladas by the dozen. Super Bowl specials include game packs made to feed ten including a fajita combo for $190, chicken enchiladas ($140) or cheese enchiladas ($119). Margaritas to-go are on offer in 20 oz., 32 oz. or one-gallon sizes. Super Bowl orders must be made by calling either location at least 24 hours in advance.
Se7en
Pre-game the big game at Upper Kirby hotspot Se7en. The Asian-Mediterranean fusion resto is offering brunch until 4pm. Don’t miss their fun cocktail list with drinks named after the seven deadly sins… which one will tempt you?!
Mamajuana Café
This café right off Downtown’s Market Square Park is offering brunch all day — including mimosa towers! — plus wing specials and $30 hookah.
Keep Reading
Show less