Office of Internal Communications
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October 7, 2004 Those who have never seen Jessica Stockholder’s sculptures might be in for a few surprises when they view her career retrospective at the University of Houston’s Blaffer Gallery. “Expect the unexpected,” said Terrie Sultan, Blaffer Gallery director. “She transcends the understanding of what a traditional art is.” “Jessica Stockholder: Kissing the Wall, Works
1988-2003” captures the sculptor’s unorthodox The exhibit showcases Stockholder’s penchant for assembling common items such as bathtubs, lamps, car doors and coffee tables and then transforming them into vibrant sculptures. “I feel her work is very optimistic,” Sultan said. “It’s also very colorful, approachable and interesting. These sculptures are beautiful, but they are beautiful in ways one wouldn’t expect considering the materials used to create them.” An example of Stockholder’s use of bewildering materials can be seen in an untitled piece from 1996, which features plastic Halloween pumpkins affixed to a metallic beam that is tied to a white handle. Meanwhile, a 2003 untitled sculpture displays a common table adorned by lamps with a tree trunk in its center. “Kissing the Wall” is Stockholder’s first exhibition that shows work from throughout her career and is her first exhibition in Texas. Credit Sultan and the Blaffer Gallery for bringing this unique exhibit to the city. Sultan said that “Kissing the Wall” took six years to coordinate since many of Stockholder’s larger works were commissioned for specific sites around the country and her smaller studio pieces have been sold to museums or art collectors. “Putting together an exhibition like this is a service to the artist and the community,” Sultan said. To celebrate the creative spirit behind “Kissing the Wall,” the gallery is hosting “Sculpture Wars” at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 24. The event will allow teams to build sculptures from materials provided by the gallery and compete in a fun, informal competition. All ages are welcome. On Nov. 7, the Blaffer will also present “Dynamic
Forms, Poised for Action,” a contemporary salon featuring
a discussion on “Kissing the Wall” between artists,
art teachers and art aficionados. The salon will begin at “The reason the Blaffer exists is to showcase artists’ works that the community might not otherwise see,” Sultan said. “Jessica Stockholder’s work is new to Houston and this exhibit is entirely new, so we are particularly proud to be the gallery that introduces her to the community.” Mike Emery
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