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
Spa-tacular Getaway Opportunity: Retreat to Mexico this Fall with a Houston Wellness Expert

Palmaïa The House of AïA

THIS SUMMER, LEBRINA Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, is taking her wisdom and joie de wellness to the jungle. Far beyond the walls of her beautiful spa, she’s aiming to create a quiet space for people to work on their personal growth in a community-centric atmosphere. She shares what participants will get out of the trip and why it’s important to take time for self-care in 2025.

Why is it important for people to “retreat”? Life can feel like a non-stop marathon, and sometimes we forget to just... breathe. Retreating offers a chance to step off the treadmill for a bit and hit the reset button. It's about giving your body and mind some much-needed TLC, allowing for genuine relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the personal perks, retreats often create a cool sense of community, connecting you with others on a similar path. By carving out space for self-reflection, you can recharge and return to your daily life with a clearer head and a bit more pep in your step.

Keep Reading Show less
Wellness+Giving Back

Heather Almond and Zinat Ahmed

NEARLY 1,700 GUESTS headed to Cotton Ranch in Katy for Cotton Holdings’ 13th annual CrawFest — a Texas-sized evening of food and music. The event raised a record-breaking $768,000 for the Cotton Foundation, which supports families facing disaster, illness and hardship.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties

Maddy and Patrick Moffitt and Christina and David McAllen

A DERBY WATCH party was so much more than the fastest two minutes in sports! The Post Oak Hotel hosted the Hats, Hearts & Horseshoes event benefiting Bo's Place, and the most fashionable and philanthropic Houstonians turned out.

Keep Reading Show less
Parties