Lance Flowers: Take Me As I Am: Redemption and Grace for the Discarded
October 24 - December 05,2024
From the organizers: "Houston’s historic Third Ward and Yale University are thrilled to present “Take Me As I Am: Redemption and Grace for the Discarded,” a solo exhibition by celebrated artist Lance Flowers, featuring collaborative engagements with diverse creative talents. This profound showcase highlights Flowers’ evocative collage work, a reflection on the cultural preservation of Houston’s Third Ward in the face of growing gentrification pressures. The exhibition draws inspiration from the 19th-century hymn "Take Me As I Am," evoking themes of grace, redemption, and the beauty found in overlooked or discarded elements. Flowers is renowned for transforming found and repurposed materials into captivating works of art, using his dynamic collages to challenge societal tendencies to undervalue objects, traditions, and communities. The Third Ward: A Cultural and Spiritual Nexus Since settling in the Third Ward in 2007, Flowers has been deeply embedded in the community, collecting materials from the neighborhood to create a visual dialogue that reflects the area’s history and ongoing evolution. His work mirrors spiritual allegories, restoring significance to the forgotten and marginalized, serving as a powerful commentary on redemption. The exhibition, taking place at a pivotal moment for the Third Ward—an historically Black neighborhood facing gentrification, land displacement, and resource shortages—emphasizes the community’s resilience, faith, and cultural richness. Flowers’ work will be displayed at the Hogan Brown Gallery inside the iconic Eldorado Ballroom, while Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music will host a counterpart exhibition, expanding the conversation to an international audience. Programming and Community Engagement A comprehensive schedule of programming will accompany the exhibition, encouraging community engagement across both locations. Visitors can participate in artist talks, Q&A sessions, and video screenings that explore Flowers' artistic process and the broader cultural context of the Third Ward. Highlights include yoga and meditation sessions, gospel performances, and traditional Danza Azteca rituals. Programming will also emphasize the intersection of food and spirituality, featuring contributions from Third Ward’s diverse cultural backgrounds, including Jewish, Caribbean Yoruba, and Black Muslim traditions. A multimedia video installation will complement the exhibition, featuring interviews with local leaders, artists, and residents, alongside statistical data on Third Ward’s struggles and triumphs. The exhibition will also engage prominent Third Ward businesses and cultural spaces, creating a rich and immersive experience across the neighborhood: ● Hogan Brown Gallery (Inside Eldorado Ballroom) – 2310 Elgin St, Houston, TX 77004 ● The Ion (Late August) – 4201 Main St, Houston, TX 77002 ● Gulf Coast Cosmos Comic Book Co. – 2306 Stuart St, Houston, TX 77004 ● University of Houston (Project Gallery )– 4800 Calhoun Rd, Houston, TX 77004 ● Kindred Stories – 2304 Stuart St, Houston, TX 77004 ● Doshi House – 3419 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004 ● Texas Southern University Museum & Digital kiosk– 3100 Cleburne St, Houston, TX 77004 ● Class Bookstore – 3803 Sampson St, Houston, TX 77004 ● Mo’ Better Brews – 1201 Southmore Blvd, Houston, TX 77004 ● E-dub-a-licious Treats-3409 Emancipation Ave, Houston , TX 77004 ● All Real Radio -2503 Holman Street, Houston, TX 77004 About the Artist: Lance Flowers Lance Flowers is a Southern American artist whose multidisciplinary practice integrates data analysis, sustainability, and an exploration of the Black American experience. His innovative approach to collage has garnered attention from curators like Valerie Cassel Oliver, and his work spans sculpture, painting, and digital performance. Flowers’ dedication to activism and spirituality, deeply rooted in Southern tradition, has made him a pivotal voice in contemporary art. His collaboration with Yale University’s Institute of Sacred Music brings a new dimension to his ongoing dialogue with Houston’s Third Ward. Flowers’ work has been displayed in numerous Third Ward institutions, including Project Row Houses and the Eldorado Ballroom, as well as nationally at Rutgers University and in the permanent collection of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. In 2023, he was named a finalist for the Toni Beauchamp Prize in Critical Art Writing. About the Curator: Robert Hodge Robert Leroy Hodge is an interdisciplinary artist and curator known for reimagining historical narratives and expanding contemporary art discourse. His curatorial approach bridges generations and artistic mediums, fostering dialogues that extend beyond conventional art spaces. About the Ethnomusicologist: Jason Woods Jason Woods, also known as Flash Gordon Parks, is a Houston-based ethnomusicologist, photographer, and filmmaker. Woods specializes in documenting Houston’s musical heritage, preserving the city’s rich cultural legacy through his unique blend of photography, DJ-ing, and film. His documentaries, including This Thing We Do and Archie Bell, have received critical acclaim for their authentic portrayal of Houston’s music scene. For more information, please contact Robert Hodge at hodge@rlhcreativestudio.com. Link to yale website : https://ism.yale.edu/events/2024-10-24-take-me-as-i-am-redemption-and-grace-for-the-discarded"
