Topchy with dozens of his portraits that will hang at the Menil Aug. 4-Jan. 21. (photo by Caroline Philippone)
Having turned 60 in July, Topchy has no intention of resting on his laurels, and is preparing for the first museum presentation of his ongoing project, The Iconic Portrait Strand, a collection of more than 100 paintings of fellow artists and other creative luminaries, on view at the Menil Collection Aug. 4 through Jan. 21, 2024.
Born in New Jersey, Topchy came to Houston in 1985 to get his MFA at UH. He vividly recalls pulling up in front of Lawndale Annex, the temporary home to UH’s painting and sculpture departments, stepping out of his ’72 Mercury, and getting soaked by one of the city’s formidable rainstorms. Almost immediately, the sun came out and baked him dry. He graciously calls this baptism “interesting.”
He soon moved into Commerce Street Artists Warehouse, a 27,000-square-foot space transformed by its residents from a dank hellhole filled with human excrement and fiberglass residue into a lively creative space, with artist studios and a performance bay. Former Menil Collection director Walter Hopps attended several Commerce Street exhibitions and happenings. “He would cross the room to talk to me,” says Topchy, who later painted Hopps, along with other contributors to the vibrancy of Houston’s art scene, including Wayne Gilbert and the late Forrest Prince, for The Iconic Portrait Strand.
Topchy began the portraits 15 years ago, painting on wooden panels with materials and techniques used in religious icons of the Ukrainian Eastern Orthodox Church (Topchy’s father was Ukranian). While Topchy describes his portraits as “iconic,” they should not be confused with icons displayed in the Menil’s Medieval and Byzantine art galleries. “An icon is from a vision and an archetype that is adhered to faithfully,” explains Topchy, who thinks of his artworks as a way to honor his friends and community. “It’s not a form of self-expression. It’s not even a portrait.”
Each portrait starts with a sitting, during which Topchy draws the subject. He also makes use of a camera lucida, a device that harkens back to optical projection devices used by the Old Masters. (“It’s a valuable shortcut for getting measurements and creating a composition,” says Topchy. “Especially if you want to spend time chatting and having tea with the sitter and don’t want their neck to get tired.”) Once complete, each portrait radiates with an otherworldly glow.
“The portraits tell me what they want to be,” says Topchy. “They’re not done to flatter. Each has its own life and makes demands and if you’re sensitive and open to that, you respond.”
Al “Kool B” LeBlanc by Nestor Topchy
Forrest Prince by Nestor Topchy
Rose Arriaga by Nestor Topchy
Wayne Gilbert by Nestor Topchy
Barbie Brunch at B19
Barbie Brunch at B19
On July 30, come decked out in your brightest Barbie pink for Brasserie 19’s Barbie-inspired Sunday brunch. Anticipate Barbie-themed cocktails to be flowing alongside French-kissed specials, photo ops, and DJ beats. Sip on the Cosmo Barbie or Beyond the Pink, a blend of gin and orange-hibiscus syrup, while nibbling a pink Madeleine — just like Barbie would. Reserve online here.
Dessert and Wine Pairing at Fluff Bake Bar
Rebecca Masson
July 27 promises to be a sweet time as mother-daughter duo Rebecca Masson of Fluff Bake Bar and Dodie Wilson of Dodie’s Beer and Wine Shoppe host “Drop like it’s Hot: An Evening of Savory, Sweet & Wine.” The dessert and wine pairing will take place at Fluff Bake Bar with two seatings – 6PM and 7:45PM ($125). Wines will be presented by Benjamin Samacoïts of French Country Wines. In addition to the five highly creative desserts paired with different French wines, hors d'oeuvres of small savory bites and a cheese course will be served before the dessert menu. Think ‘Nduja pop tart, mushroom/gruyere quiche, pimento cheese and biscuit, and Gougeres paired with Domain Gayard Syrah. Purchase tickets here.Oui!
Fiestas Patrias at Pacha Nikkei
Pacha Nikkei
On July 27, Pacha will usher in Peru’s Independence Day (Fiestas Patrias holiday) with a five-course Caravedo Pisco Dinner ($130) accompanied by live music. Each delectable course will be paired with a pisco cocktail and reservations are required.
Pizzitola's Anniversary Bash
Pizzitola's
This venerable Heights area smokehouse will celebrate 88 years with anniversary week starting today, July 26. Throughout the week, stop by for gratis samples of its legendary banana pudding, smoked brisket meatballs and award-winning BBQ ribs.
Potterfest at Urban South Brewery HTX
The Houston taproom will host its free Potterfest celebration in honor of Harry Potter’s birthday July 28-29. The event will take place over two days, beginning with a Harry Potter-themed Trivia Night on Friday, July 28. Urban South’s Butterbeer draft and slush will be on offer in regular and non-alcoholic pours as well as two craft cocktails. Throughout July, fans of Harry Potter can enjoy a Hogwarts House Beer Flight and Friday Night Flicks featuring the first three Harry Potter films. Expect live entertainment, face painting, a bounce house, a Diagon Alley vendor market, and more.
Murder Mystery and More at Warehouse 72
Warehouse 72
On Thursday, July 27, Warehouse 72 will host a three-course Murder Mystery Dinner ($79) with a cast of celebrity impersonators like Austin Powers and Marilyn Monroe. On July 28, the restaurant will host a five-course wine dinner showcasing Vintage Select wines with celebrity speaker coach Wade Phillips ($109). Chef Jaime Salazar will put on a spread including venison tenderloin, sweet corn souffle, spinach and béarnaise sauce, whole grain crusted Iberia pork, foie gras torchon and more.
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