Photography by Elvis Campos
Take it from my love for art and all things shiny to bring me back to writing another addition to the series! I’m such a huge fan of light-based artwork, so when I noticed many museums featuring luminous pieces, I knew it was going to be a hit in Houston this summer. The ever glowing lights and flashes of color will surely be a trend that many people will photograph. Because of this, I couldn’t help but feel inspired to showcase the most colorful, glowy pieces:
1. Flowers & People, Cannot be Controlled but Live Together – A Whole Year per Hour
Photography by Elvis Campos
Location: Moody Center for the Arts 6100 Main Street Houston, TX 77005
Artist: teamLab
Art Installation Dates: February 24, 2017 – August 13, 2017
Details: Ever wanted to bloom where you’re planted? This art installation not only showcases intricate floral lights; the room operation is set up for visitors to interact with the artwork, making the flowers bloom with every touch and step! The impressive part about the installation is that is plays in real time from an advanced computer program created by the artistic team. The light and enchanting sounds inside the art installation will make anyone feel like they stepped inside a fairy tale garden.
Tips: Moody Center for the Arts is located inside Rice University. The free visitor parking lot is conveniently right across the building with lots of open vacant space. You fill out a brief form when you enter inside and the center gives a brief introduction before you walk into the art installations. Because the art installation is located indoors with fixed lighting, time scheduling for natural light isn’t an issue. The room itself is similar to a size of a living room. It might be problematic to get photos if a large crowd were to be inside, but overall, it’s a great environment to freely photograph. Keep in mind to bring a camera and/or equipment that’s specialized for dim lighting.
Artist: teamLab
Art Installation Dates: February 24, 2017 – August 13, 2017
Details: Ever wanted to bloom where you’re planted? This art installation not only showcases intricate floral lights; the room operation is set up for visitors to interact with the artwork, making the flowers bloom with every touch and step! The impressive part about the installation is that is plays in real time from an advanced computer program created by the artistic team. The light and enchanting sounds inside the art installation will make anyone feel like they stepped inside a fairy tale garden.
Tips: Moody Center for the Arts is located inside Rice University. The free visitor parking lot is conveniently right across the building with lots of open vacant space. You fill out a brief form when you enter inside and the center gives a brief introduction before you walk into the art installations. Because the art installation is located indoors with fixed lighting, time scheduling for natural light isn’t an issue. The room itself is similar to a size of a living room. It might be problematic to get photos if a large crowd were to be inside, but overall, it’s a great environment to freely photograph. Keep in mind to bring a camera and/or equipment that’s specialized for dim lighting.
2. Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest and Worry Will Vanish
Photography by Faubricio
Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas 77005
Artist: Pipilotti Rist
Art Installation Dates: June 11, 2017 – September 17, 2017
Details: Step inside an Avatar-like masterpiece as you gaze at the work of Rist’s pixel forest. The room has a visual backdrop as you walk around the stringed orbs of light. With the dimmed room setting, this seasonal exhibition can make anyone in awe with its ever-changing lights and bright colors. It’s true when I say Rist’s Pixel Forest will make you feel like you’re in a digital, galactic world. See more of his works and future showcases here.
Tips: Parking at MFAH is located at 1144 Binz and at 5101 Montrose. You’ll have to walk about 2-3 blocks to reach the museum entrance. You can also take the red line at the Houston metro train and stop at the Art District station. You do pay for admission for the museum in addition to purchasing admission for featured art exhibitions. Pricing for admission can be found here, but I would recommend visiting MFAH on Thursdays (free museum days) to avoid paying the general admission fee. When you enter inside the installation, be mindful of your space and belongings in order to avoid touching the artwork.
Artist: Pipilotti Rist
Art Installation Dates: June 11, 2017 – September 17, 2017
Details: Step inside an Avatar-like masterpiece as you gaze at the work of Rist’s pixel forest. The room has a visual backdrop as you walk around the stringed orbs of light. With the dimmed room setting, this seasonal exhibition can make anyone in awe with its ever-changing lights and bright colors. It’s true when I say Rist’s Pixel Forest will make you feel like you’re in a digital, galactic world. See more of his works and future showcases here.
Tips: Parking at MFAH is located at 1144 Binz and at 5101 Montrose. You’ll have to walk about 2-3 blocks to reach the museum entrance. You can also take the red line at the Houston metro train and stop at the Art District station. You do pay for admission for the museum in addition to purchasing admission for featured art exhibitions. Pricing for admission can be found here, but I would recommend visiting MFAH on Thursdays (free museum days) to avoid paying the general admission fee. When you enter inside the installation, be mindful of your space and belongings in order to avoid touching the artwork.
3. It’s Unreal!
Location: Total Plaza, 1201 Louisiana Street Houston, TX 77002
Artist: Adela Andea
Art Installation Dates: May 15, 2017 – September 8, 2017
Details: If an art room compiled all their crafts together, I’d imagine this is what it would look like. This fun and quirky installation is a showstopper in downtown Houston from the way she meshes light and color together. This art installation is small in comparison to teamLab and Rists’s pieces, but Andea’s work is full of life and personality. It’s definitely a piece that will make you appreciate how unreal it is.
Tips: Parking along Total Plaza is tricky, but manageable since there is a few metered parking spots right outside the building. Total Plaza is an office building, so many businessman will be walking across the art installation. Because the art installation is inside facing glass windows, I recommend scheduling a visit to photograph during the mornings when many people are attending “office meeting” hours. It’s an unknown site for tourists, so I encourage to be respectful of the work environment.
Artist: Adela Andea
Art Installation Dates: May 15, 2017 – September 8, 2017
Details: If an art room compiled all their crafts together, I’d imagine this is what it would look like. This fun and quirky installation is a showstopper in downtown Houston from the way she meshes light and color together. This art installation is small in comparison to teamLab and Rists’s pieces, but Andea’s work is full of life and personality. It’s definitely a piece that will make you appreciate how unreal it is.
Tips: Parking along Total Plaza is tricky, but manageable since there is a few metered parking spots right outside the building. Total Plaza is an office building, so many businessman will be walking across the art installation. Because the art installation is inside facing glass windows, I recommend scheduling a visit to photograph during the mornings when many people are attending “office meeting” hours. It’s an unknown site for tourists, so I encourage to be respectful of the work environment.
4. The Light Inside
Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston 1001 Bissonnet, Houston, Texas 77005
Artist: James Turrell
Art Installation Dates: permanent art installation in MFAH
Details: Turrell’s piece is a classic in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. This colorful tunnel is quite entrancing as you step inside the narrow, long path. The artist created this installation with an idea to “not depict light but to use light itself.” The dark room and neon, monochrome lit walls creates an element of intensity, drama, and suspense. However, there’s nothing to fear: this passage will make you long for more light.
Tips: Parking at MFAH is located at 1144 Binz and at 5101 Montrose. You’ll have to walk about 2-3 blocks to reach the museum entrance. You can also take the red line at the Houston metro train and stop at the Art District station. This installation is accessible when purchasing a general admission ticket for MFAH, but I highly recommend visiting on Thursdays so you can see it for free. This art installation is the main walkway to and from the Caroline Wiess Law Building with the Audrey Jones Beck Building of the MFAH, so many people do walk through this installation daily. Try photographing during early morning or late afternoon museum hours to avoid crowds.
Artist: James Turrell
Art Installation Dates: permanent art installation in MFAH
Details: Turrell’s piece is a classic in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. This colorful tunnel is quite entrancing as you step inside the narrow, long path. The artist created this installation with an idea to “not depict light but to use light itself.” The dark room and neon, monochrome lit walls creates an element of intensity, drama, and suspense. However, there’s nothing to fear: this passage will make you long for more light.
Tips: Parking at MFAH is located at 1144 Binz and at 5101 Montrose. You’ll have to walk about 2-3 blocks to reach the museum entrance. You can also take the red line at the Houston metro train and stop at the Art District station. This installation is accessible when purchasing a general admission ticket for MFAH, but I highly recommend visiting on Thursdays so you can see it for free. This art installation is the main walkway to and from the Caroline Wiess Law Building with the Audrey Jones Beck Building of the MFAH, so many people do walk through this installation daily. Try photographing during early morning or late afternoon museum hours to avoid crowds.
What do you think about my top picks? If you like my post, pin it and share with your friends and family this summer! If you ever snap a photo at one of these locations, feel free to hashtag #pose4Htown so I can see. If you have another recommendation, feel free to share in the comments below, too.
Such beautiful art installations and great parking tips, Ressa. Thanks!
Loved the colours and vibrancy here! I’ve added this to my list to to-visit whenever I head to Houston! =)