Project Description
Long known as a vital national art community, Houston has an opportunity to establish itself in the international art scene. Beginning in the winter of 2009, Houston will host a monumental sculpture exhibition by the internationally recognized artist, Bernar Venet. TFAA is participating in the development of the project and the promotion of Bernar Venet’s art.
In conjunction with Bernar Venet’s local agent we would like to place ten monumental outdoor steel sculptures in Hermann Park. Its central location within Houston has both vehicular and pedestrian access, and open land expanses for long vista views of artwork. This unique accessibility guaranties an outstanding exposure over a duration of nine months. Enclosed you may find a map with suggested locations for the sculptures in Hermann Park. The finalized spots would only be made with the cooperation and input of Hermann Park Directors and the artist, Bernar Venet.
Similar Bernar Venet monumental sculpture exhibitions have been celebrated in over 20 cities worldwide (New York, Chicago, Denver, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Brussels, Paris and more). His work has been acquired by the most notable international museums, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The National Gallery and Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, D.C., the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. The timing for receiving a Houston exhibition could not be better.
In 2008, Bernar Venet received international attention by Sotheby’s sponsor: a Private Sale Retrospective, on the grounds of Isleworth Golf and Country Club in Windermere, Florida. The Houston Venet exhibition will follow on the heels of this Retrospective and a smaller city-wide exhibition in San Diego, California. The third quarter of 2009 is the earliest Venet’s sculptures can be made available for a Houston exhibition of monumental works.
Without question, our city leads internationally in many areas – oil technology, shipping and aerospace. Houston is also vibrant in many of the arts – performance, symphony, opera, theater, museums and non-profit art spaces. A critical piece to this civic fabric is internationally recognized public art for its citizens. Unlike the other arts, public art not only is an important piece of civic life but it also exudes prestige and pride to the world that is not accomplished in any other way.
The focus will be on the partners involved in this monumental exhibition as well as in Houston’s eminent and exciting future.
Visit the official website : www.bernarvenet.com
Bernar Venet installation at the MFAH, sculpture garden- click here
Click here to see an article about Bernar Venet’s exhibition in San Diego
This project is in part funded and supported by:
AXA Art Insurance Corporation
Becca Cason Thrash
Consulate General of France in Houston
City of Houston’s city’s Initiative program through the Houston Arts Alliance
City of Houston Park’s and Recreation Department
GDF SUEZ Energy North America
French Embassy
Hermann Park Conservancy
Richard Fant
Red Claw LLC
Sotheby’s
Total
and Over 100 Private Donors