It’s a Draw: Sneak Peek of Two Shows Coming Soon to the Menil

It’s a Draw: Sneak Peek of Two Shows Coming Soon to the Menil

'Steak' by Roy Lichtenstein, part of the Menil's 'Draw Like a Machine' show

THE MENIL COLLECTION has announced two new exhibits that will arrive at its Drawing Institute at the end of this month, both on view through March 13, 2022.


Draw Like a Machine: Pop Art, 1952-1975 includes more than 30 drawings made during an era when many artists were exploring techniques informed by the burgeoning advertising and mass-media industries. The featured works don't showcase "traditional" gestural strokes, but rather ones that resemble something made by a machine.

The Menil Drawing Institute's assistant curator Kelly Montana said in a statement, "Informed by an era in which art was increasingly integrated into popular culture, artists exploited graphic strategies harnessed by the working creatives of the day such as admen, illustrators, and sign painters to critique and subvert the prestige of drawing."

Ones by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein and others originally collected by John and Dominique de Menil themselves will certainly be a highlight of the exhibit.

Meanwhile, Spatial Awareness: Drawings from the Permanent Collection is set to explore artists' understanding and rendering of physical space. Expect 3-D drawings, along with ones that put the human body in motion and employ visual techniques like folding, layering and transparency. The use of lines in various ways is also a common means of exploring space.

The show was organized by Saskia Verlaan, the Drawing Institute's first pre-doctoral fellow, who calls it a "dynamic collection" that challenge the "conventional and traditional ideas about drawing as a part of the broader reevaluation of the medium as a dynamic and fully independent arena of artistic practice."

Both shows open to the public on Oct. 29.

'Apotheosis of Hershey Wrapper' by Al Hansen, on view as part of 'Machine'

Untitled by Leon Polk, part of 'Machine'

'Drawing Interruptions Blocked Structures 4' by Barry Le Va, part of 'Spatial Awareness'

'Ractangle, Square' by Dorothea Rockburne, part of 'Spatial'


Art + Entertainment
Timeless Appeal at The Village: Sophisticated Retirement Living

THE STANDARD BEARER FOR LUXURY

We built The Village communities to exemplify sophisticated retirement living in Houston, surrounded by the heritage neighborhood of River Oaks, Tanglewood and Southampton. Each offers impeccable designer finishes and Aspenwood service detail with dining and resortstyle amenities making them premier locations for discerning Houstonians and their families. Impressive, spacious residential floor plans, generous natural light, and expansive terraces allow a new level of indoor-outdoor living. Beautiful spaces are designed for entertaining, fitness, and relaxation with a dedicated team to provide a secure lock and leave lifestyle for our members.

Keep Reading Show less

Olivia Barboza, Wesley Gow and Audrey Gow

ONE OF THE lesser-known gems of Houston’s performing arts scene — the splendid, bold 4th Wall Theatre Company — threw its first-ever “Fête” gala fundraiser at the beautiful new Hotel Saint Augustine in Montrose, raking in $212,000 to support it artistic mission.

Keep Reading Show less

Heather Almond, Elia Gabbanelli, Kaleta Blaffer Johnson and Tara Martin (photo courtesy Cotton Holdings)

THE SWANKIEST SETUP at the Rodeo Houston “Cookoff” didn’t disappoint, for the fourth year in a row!

Keep Reading Show less