The Architecture of Culture: Works from the Guess Lawson Collection (TAOC) is an exhibition that showcases the evolving nature of contemporary art and the enduring hope that persists amit beauty, doubt, and often struggle. This exhibition highlights The Guess Lawson Collection’s ability to bridge the gap between past and present, inviting viewers to engage with the complex narrative of American History through art.

The selections in this first exhibition from the Guess Lawson Collection are focused on consideration of how as a community do we tie art to activism, a topic close to the collectors hearts. The exhibition  spotlights works in the Collection by multicultural and multinational artists whose work calls us to act on societal challenges of gender and income inequality, and by artists whose work reflects individuals that remind us of the importance of purpose as a character trait for empowerment.

The exhibition draws from Guess Lawson’s extensive collection presenting a powerful and dynamic visual dialogue that explores issues of race, gender, and otherness. The collection features works by established artists such as John Biggers, Hughie Lee-Smith, Violette Bule, Whitfield Lovell, Radcliffe Bailey, David McGee, Joyce Scott, Delilah Montoya, Dick Wray and Giana De Dier, popular artists Abi Salami, Eddie Filer, Kaima Marie Akarue, Christopher Blay, Romeo Robinson, Jonathan Carroll, Danielle Finnerman, and others, offering a rich exploration of depth and diversity.

TAOC is a space for contemplation and discussion challenging the audience to reflect on their own preconceived notions and beliefs. Through a curated selection of artworks, visitors can appreciate the complex narratives and creative processes that drive these artists.

The collaboration between Gensler and The Guess Lawson Collection brings the convergence of art, architecture, and community engagement to the forefront.

Exhibition Section I

The Architecture of Culture: Shaping Collective Experience Through Individual Works

Culture is the invisible framework that shapes how we experience space, engage with others, and navigate the rhythms of life. It manifests in the physical and intangible—our environments, behaviors, traditions, and aspirations—forming the architecture of our individual and collective worlds.

Each person’s lived experience, shaped by their unique cultural lens, contributes to the collective fabric of society. Spaces, both literal and metaphorical, become extensions of these experiences: gathering places that foster community, art forms that reflect shared histories, and traditions that evolve with time. Together, these cultural constructs serve as blueprints for a collective identity, offering a sense of belonging while leaving room for reimagining what could be.

The artists in this exhibition explore the intricate relationship between culture and space—how our internal worlds influence the external, and how the external reshapes the internal. Through their work, they invite us to reflect on the ways we build meaning, navigate differences, and contribute to the ongoing design of the collective human experience.

Exhibition Section II

Lilith: A Journey Through the Female Gaze

In the section titled LILITH, the eyes of the women speak volumes. Through the art of the Guess-Lawson Collection, these women’s gazes reveal a profound understanding of a world that demands daily negotiation with its harsh realities. They reflect a wisdom born of recognizing and navigating the patriarchal power structures that shape contemporary life, embodying a strength that leaves no room for error.

Before Eve, Jewish folklore tells of Adam’s first wife, Lilith, created simultaneously and from the same clay as Adam. In medieval legends, Lilith is said to have attempted intercourse with Adam before Eve’s creation and later fled the Garden of Eden. In another version, she left Adam after refusing to be subservient to him and did not return after coupling with the demon archangel Samuel. The Bible presents Eve as the antithesis of Lilith, portraying her as the origin of humanity and a symbol of human complexity. Artistic interpretations of Eve delve into deep theological and philosophical questions, exploring themes like free will, the origins of sin, and the pursuit of knowledge. Unlike Lilith, Eve symbolizes the human condition, embodying both innocence and the profound impact of choices.

Delilah Montoya’s “La Llorona in Lilith’s Gardens” reimagines Lilith and La Llorona, the vengeful ghost from Mexican folklore who mourns her drowned children. Traditionally portrayed as evil spirits, Montoya’s Lilith and La Llorona challenge traditional double standards, infusing these female archetypes with new, empowering meanings. Montoya unifies Eve, Lilith, and La Llorona as different versions of women confronting the challenges of womanhood, urging us to look deeper and contemplate the forces shaping their, and our, realities. The art in “Lilith” invites us to reflect on the broader implications of women’s stories, drawing parallels between these women’s experiences and our own struggles with morality, temptation, and growth. Their eyes, their gaze, tell tales of perseverance, struggle, repression, sorrow, strength, and love. These are the backstories of many of our lives and of human existence.

Exhibition Section III

The Paradox of Two Worlds: Surreal Situations in Real Urban Scenerios

The concept of TWO WORLDS refers to the complex and often contradictory realities within urban environments where wealth and poverty exist side by side. Urban areas, particularly large cities, are hubs of economic activity and innovation, attracting businesses, investment, and skilled labor, leading to significant economic growth and prosperity. However, alongside this wealth, pockets of poverty persist. In cities like Houston, New York, San Francisco, and London, one can find some of the world’s most expensive real estate and highest incomes. Yet, these cities also have significant homeless populations, food insecurity, and neighborhoods where residents struggle with low wages and poor living conditions. This paradox highlights the stark contrast between visible affluence and severe deprivation.

Technological innovation is often at the forefront in cities, offering advanced infrastructure, high-speed internet, and access to cutting-edge technologies. However, significant disparities in access to these technologies create a digital divide within the same cities. For instance, in a technologically advanced city like San Francisco, residents in affluent neighborhoods enjoy seamless internet connectivity and access to the latest gadgets, while low-income neighborhoods struggle with limited internet access, impacting education, job opportunities, and access to services. This divide became particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic when remote work and online education underscored the importance of reliable internet access.

Artists such as Nigerian American Kaima Marie Akarue and Venezuelan-Lebanese Violette Blue explore the essence of surreal situations where “two worlds” coexist in real urban spaces. Their work highlights the paradox of contemporary life, illustrating the dual realities we navigate and the challenges in defining equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Understanding and addressing these paradoxes is crucial for creating more equitable and sustainable urban environments. These works invite us to reflect on these dualities and the ongoing quest for a balanced and inclusive society.

Exhibition Section IV

Purpose: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Cultural Legacy

Defining PURPOSE is a deeply personal journey that involves self-discovery, reflection, and action, all influenced by cultural, historical, and social contexts. For African Americans, this quest often intertwines with a rich legacy of resilience, community, and the ongoing struggle for equity and justice.

The artists in The Guess Lawson Collection have created images that inspire by integrating cultural heritage, community engagement, creative expression, and personal development. For African Americans, this integration can lead to a rich and fulfilling sense of purpose. Regular reflection on one’s values, strengths, and passions, along with an openness to evolving and redefining purpose, is essential in this journey.

Dates: January 10, 2025 – April 11, 2025

Location:
Gensler Houston
909 Fannin St, Unit 200
Houston, TX 77010

Click here for More Information