art

Artist Cara Barer’s New Show Invites Viewers to Embrace the Emotions of Quarantine

Artist Cara Barer’s New Show Invites Viewers to Embrace the Emotions of Quarantine

Throughout this tumultuous year, a silver lining of sorts has remained. Many artists have been able to channel previously unimaginable feelings into stirring new works, helping members of society identify and process the gravity of 2020. Among them is Cara Barer, a Houston-based photographer who has unveiled a series of new pieces called Isolation at Nicole Longnecker Gallery in the Heights.

'Euphoria' by Cara Barer'Euphoria' by Cara Barer

Barer is known for dyeing and sculpting outdated books — reference manuals, encyclopedias — into artful subjects for her photography. For the new series, she shifted her focus. Barer selected raw portraits she snapped during the Houston Marathon, specifically at a location where it is said the runners often “hit the wall." Their muscles start to feel like concrete, and their minds begin to wander — it requires a tremendous amount of grit and dedication to finish the race. To these photos, Barer added an abstracted veil of encaustic wax, which is heated and pigmented beeswax. The close-ups of faces exhibiting a range of emotions — ones many have felt on a deep level throughout the pandemic. The pieces, with names such as “Collective Unconscious" and “Separation Anxiety," range in size from 24-by-24-inches up to 48-by-36. “The portraits became my companions during isolation," says the artist. “Society's marathon is not over, but I have hope that we are nearing the finish line."

The show is available through the gallery's online viewing room, as well as by appointment.

AT TOP: Collective Unconscious by Cara Barer

From Your Site Articles
Art + Entertainment
promoted

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

Cool for ‘Schools’! CIS Wants to Transport You to a Whimsical ‘Wonderland’ at Milestone Gala

CIS 2024 Gala Honorary Co-Chair Judy Tate, Co-Chair Lauren Brollier, Co-Chair Cassie Milam, Honorary Co-Chair Kirby McCool

WHETHER YOU PREFER Alice, the Mad Hatter or the Queen of Hearts, Communities In Schools of Houston’s A Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary GalaA Night in Wonderland 45th Anniversary Gala is not to be missed! Join in the celebration for a whimsical good time on Thursday, April 4th, at the luxurious Post Oak Hotel.

Keep Reading Show less
music

With New Concept Album, Jacob Hilton Processes Mental-Health Struggles

Dakota Garrett

Jacob Hilton, a.k.a. Travid Halton, at home in his kitchen, where he enjoys cooking as a form of therapy.

PINK FLOYD'S THE Wall. Sinatra’s In the Wee Small Hours. Beyonce’s Lemonade. Three divergent examples of the album as a cathartic, psychological, conceptual work, meant to be experienced in a single sitting. Houston singer-songwriter Jacob Hilton, 37, who records as Travid Halton, a portmanteau of his mother and father’s names, might balk at being mentioned in such company. (This is a thoroughly unpretentious man, who describes himself as an “archaeologist turned singer-songwriter.”)

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment
promoted

Leadership in Action: ‘Family, Community and Spiritual Connection’ Drives Success for Henry Richardson

Al Torres

How did you get to where you are today? The present moment is a combined history of my family, my time as an athlete, my passion for learning, and my desire to see the world be better. I grew up as a successful springboard and platform diver, however, an injury caused me to seek alternative treatments to heal my body. In that process, I discovered the power of yoga, exercise, meditation, mindset, and nutrition. This holistic approach eventually led me to open a Pilates and cycling studio called DEFINE body & mind. I opened studios around the nation, and after selling most of my business between 2017-2019, I was ready to explore how I could make an even greater impact on the wellbeing of our community. In 2023, I started actively working on a brand new multi-family/apartment concept called, Define Living. The idea focused on offering health and wellness services within a beautiful apartment setting to increase the wellbeing of our residents. Having a strong sense of community is the number one factor in living a happy life, so why not build a community where daily fitness, cooking classes, and social connection are the norm? We opened Define Living in March of 2024, and we couldn’t be happier with how things are being received. We are already looking at building more concepts like this in the Houston area and beyond.

Keep Reading Show less