Group Photo of the River On Fire Artists on Opening Night

A River of Diverse Works Ignites MATCH Gallery

By FRANKIE MOHAMMED
Updated 15:02 CDT, October 3, 2024

HOUSTON, Texas (CA NEWS) — The "River on Fire" exhibition brought together a special kind of Houston artist, those who are creating art with deliberation and intention. I'm not talking about the merch-pushing art entrepreneurs; these are dedicated artists who understand the mission to do something more with their talents. They have to. They came to the show tonight with their demonstrable right actions—unselfishly stepping forward to illustrate the ugly truths we all live with.

Curated by Ashley DeHoyos Sauder, the exhibition showcases the work of 14 artists responding to environmental crises and climate change. Drawing inspiration from historical river fires that have significantly shaped ecological preservation and environmental advocacy, "River on Fire" delves deep into pressing ecological issues that affect us all.

Let me say that again.  That affects us all.  Hello Air breathers!  Hello water drinkers!  I'm talking to you!

The layers of our reality are interconnected, and we operate on many different levels within various platforms. As digital waves continue to wash over the media landscape, these artists presented works for people to engage with in real life, and they all did. Artists like Willow Naomi Curry and Joe Robles IV, from Houston and Pasadena respectively, use their art to highlight the unique environmental challenges facing our local landscapes.  We'll get more from them here in a little give me a few days!

The beauty of the art show unfolded in front of me in ways you can't appreciate here reading my words back to you.  There were these jars arranged just so.  Since the gallery is beautiful, it looked nice, but it reminded me of that classic horror scene when you get to the butchering shed to find pickled body parts in mason jars... What's in the jars?  This isn't about horror shows; you must come see.  And then understand how that horror show is actually happening to us here in Houston.  How it's been happening.  Let me stay on track for a minute.

You couldn't just have experience it on your handheld device, like you might be reading this.  Art is community.  Art is the person in front of you telling you WHY they did what they did.  For Hope.  For the CHANCE it might awaken the spirit of change in someone to do better

It was a pleasant evening at the MATCH Gallery—parking was easy for $20.  I wish there was a spot reserved for the person operating the freelance photojournalist machine :-).  I was warmly greeted by the Diverse Works curator and team. The atmosphere let me tell you was fun and engaging.  I caused a whole scene playing with the interactive light installation, but I think that was the point afterall.

More to follow...

Next Week:

  • Exclusive Interviews
  • Photos
  • Behind-the-Scenes Videos

How will these artists continue to shape the conversation around climate justice in Houston? Stay tuned to find out.

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