Painting a Statement at HMAAC

10.2
10.2

On Saturday, a bold new exhibit opens at the Houston Museum of African American Culture, featuring the work of Nigerian painter Idowu Oluwaseun, who studied painting in his native Lagos and fashion design in Germany before moving to Houston.


The title of the show, Irinisi, is a Yoruba word that means how one portrays oneself to the world. For Oluwaseun, this portrayal is complex, especially in today’s cultural and political climate. In his lifelike and intriguing portraits, the faces of his subjects — whom Oluwaseun calls “The Faceless Minority” — are often obscured by unbelievably realistic depictions of beautiful lace or African-print fabrics, a nod to his former life as a fashion designer.

The artist will attend the exhibit’s opening reception on Saturday at 2pm. The show hangs in the Bert Long, Jr. Gallery at HMAAC through Dec. 14.

Dispatches
Leadership in Action: ‘Setting Clear Goals’ Among Secrets of Success for Attorney Jess Bailey

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

BY NOW, MOST of us are bracing for whatever Mother Nature decides to bring next week, be it snow, ice, or just a lot of bad traffic.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

JUST IN TIME for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jinya Ramen is opening its 70th (!) location in Pearland. Known for its thick, rich broth and flavorful noodles — thanks to the specialized water used to prepare its broth and the aging process its noodles undergo — Jinya also touts a wide array of authentic toppings, from tender pork chashu to shrimp wonton.

Keep Reading Show less