Markus Klinko
These days, Klinko describes himself as a portrait artist, and aspires to make a historical impact on the art world. “Klinko’s photographs have a wonderful iridescent quality that is both painterly and narrative,” says Longnecker. “His images capture not only the form of the subject, but their own creative essence.”
In his earlier years, Klinko was a concert classical harpist, practicing 10 hours daily to keep up his technique. “I reached my dream,” says Klinko, “but I was also mentally very tired.” In 1994, at age 33, a thumb injury compelled him to retire from music and pursue a new chapter in life as a self-taught photographer.
Klinko's 'Dangerously In Love' cover photo
Klinko's 'Britney, the Forest'
Before then, Klinko had never picked up a camera, and yet he soon found himself shooting some of the most beautiful people on the planet, including a then-21-year-old singer named Beyoncé, who needed a cover shot for her debut album, Dangerously In Love. During that shoot, legend has it Klinko suggested Beyoncé wear some denim to contrast the glimmering, spiderweb-like crystal top she had draped over her physique. Klinko loaned Queen Bey his jeans, and gamely finished the shoot in his skivvies. “It’s a totally true story,” says Klinko, who stands 6-foot-4, “and proof that I have Beyoncé’s butt!”
Klinko has since exhibited in dozens of galleries worldwide and is delighted to have representation in Houston. He says visitors can expect some surprises in ICONS KLINKO, including images from a new series called The Angel Factory that pairs breathtaking models with high-tech lasers and syringes used in plastic surgery. Meanwhile, Klinko takes great satisfaction in seeing his images for brand campaigns appear simultaneously in the pages of glossy magazines and on the walls of white cube galleries.
“The question ‘Is it art or is it commerce?’ becomes irrelevant at that point,” says Klinko. “It’s just everywhere, and that’s what it is.”
Common Bond
Common Bond
Common Bond
On offer are two delicious king cakes made with sweet brioche, covered in royal icing, and topped with purple, green and gold sugar. Even sweeter: $5 from each king cake sold will benefit Sky High for Kids. Choose from traditional cinnamon or raspberry cream cheese ($45). Additionally, customers can buy their own DIY King Cake Kit or send one to a patient at Texas Children's Hospital. Find King Cakes in stores until Feb. 21, or preorder for easy pick-up. Order online here until Feb. 17.
Dessert Gallery
Dessert Gallery
According to this stalwart sweet emporium, there’s nothing a king cake can’t fix. Place your preorder for pick-up, grab your beads and Mardi Gras treats – including King Cakes and festively decorated sugar cookies – and let the good times roll.
Lagniappe Kitchen + Bar
At Lagniappe, where Revival Market used to be, pre-orders for king cake have begun! Brightly decorated traditional cinnamon and sugar flavored half sheet cakes ($25) made from a family recipe serve 12-16. When you stop by for pickup, be sure to order Lagniappe's festively sprinkled King Cake Latte for good measure.
Three Brothers Bakery
Three Brothers Bakery
Go traditional with king cake ($20) or pay extra to get it stuffed with cream cheese and praline, strawberry or raspberry filling. The iconic bakery also sells petit fours and fleur de lis decorated and dipped Mardi Gras cookies.
Memorial Bakery
Memorial Bakery
There is a plethora of options at Memorial Bakery near Memorial City Mall: A plain king cake starts at just $18.00; opt for raspberry or strawberry filling for $10 more. Vanilla-iced shortbread cookies in the shapes of Mardi Gras masks and flour de lis are $26 per dozen. Chocolate and vanilla petit fours are available by the half-dozen, as are our fave — towering, fluffy, butter-cream-frosted cupcakes with glittering swirls of purple, gold and green.
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