With a Timely Message of Social Justice, Exhibit Paints South Asian Culture in a New Light

With a Timely Message of Social Justice, Exhibit Paints South Asian Culture in a New Light

"Airport Goodbye" by Shahidul Alam

THIS WEEKEND, ASIA Society Texas unveils a new exhibit called Shahidul Alam: Truth to Power, showcasing the moving imagery of the renowned Bangladeshi photographer-activist in the United States' first-ever museum survey of his work.


Within the beautiful and spacious building, guests can view more than 60 of Alam's moving images depicting daily life in the "majority world," a phrase he has chosen to represent what others call the "third world." The body of work will challenge visitors to reframe how they view Bangladesh and South Asia; Pakistan-born Alam feels the culture of the region is often misunderstood, and he seeks to depict truth and offer tools for empowerment through his photography.

"Sailboat Fishing for Ilish" by Shahidul Alam

"Woman in Ballot Booth" by Shahidul Alam

"Woman in Ballot Booth" by Shahidul Alam

"My introduction into photography was for political reasons," says Alam, who is a writer and was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2018. He also co-founded the free-speech-advocating Drik Picture Library with anthropologist Rahnuma Ahmed. "It was social justice I was after, and I recognized that photography was this powerful tool." In that sense, he stumbled into the medium, and is using it to the extent that it affects change. He's captured images of protests (and was, himself, detained), a photo of a woman casting a vote in Bangladesh's historical 1991 election, and ones depicting Islamophobia and extremism.

Truth to Power opens on Saturday, Feb. 13, and runs through July 11. Admission is free.

Art + Entertainment
Fried Chicken, Fancy Bubbles, and a Side of Glamour: Sundays at The Marigold Club Just Got Fun

Chef-owner Austin Waiter of The Marigold Club, now serving fried chicken and Champagne on Sunday nights.


IF YOUR SUNDAY nights could use a little sparkle—and a lot of fried chicken—The Marigold Club has just the thing. Starting May 25 at 5pm, the Montrose hotspot known for its playful mix of Southern charm and London polish is rolling out a new weekly tradition: Fried Chicken & Champagne Sundays.

This isn’t your average comfort food situation. We're talking a shareable fried chicken dinner for two, made with farm-raised birds from Deeply Rooted Ranch, and served alongside buttery whipped potatoes, minted peas, aged cheddar scones, and some over-the-top sauces — including a foie gras sauce supreme that’s as extra as it sounds.

Keep ReadingShow less
Food

World-famous Jigger & Pony bar of Singapore will be featured in a pop-up at the Four Seasons’ Bandista speakeasy July 20, along with sister bar Cosmo Pony. Its spicy margarita with an agave lollipop will be on the menu.

ONE OF THE most celebrated bars in the world will be featured in a one-night-only pop-up in Houston next month.

Keep ReadingShow less

A cozy corner of the new Allegory Bar

THINKING OF INTERESTING ideas for a staycation this summer? Consider the newly renovated Moran boutique hotel in CityCentre.

Keep ReadingShow less