News
Archway Gallery 16th Annual Juried Exhibition
I am very proud to announce that "L'escalier de la villa Cavrois" (Stairs Up) has been selected for exhibition in Archway Gallery's Sixteenth Annual Juried Exhibition benefiting Trees for Houston. The exhibition will be on display July 6 - August 1, 2024 with an opening reception Saturday, July 13th from 5 – 8 p.m. There will be remarks by juror Lydia Bodnar-Balahutrak and awards at 6:30 p.m. Archway Gallery is located at 2305 Dunlavy Houston, TX 77006
Center for Photographic Art Members Exhibition
I am extremely honored that "The Air Itself is Filled with Monsters" has been selected to be exhibited in the 2024 Members' Juried Exhibition at the Center for Photographic Art in Carmel, California, from April 20 to June 2, 2024. Only 45 images were selected for exhibition by juror Catherine Couturier out of more than 2,600 submissions from around the world. This photo was taken on a stormy night after the Pride Parade in Houston, Texas. I was walking back to my car and saw the dramatic lightning flashes in the clouds to the north. I set my 5cm Summar lens to wide open at f2 and my shutter was probably at 1/30th of a second. But I had only three frames of film left in the camera and my timing with the flashes of lightning had to be spot on. Out of the three frames I exposed, one of them worked out and here is the result!
Memory Map
March, 2024 - The Fotofest Participating Spaces exhibition at Hardy and Nance Studios is themed Memory Map. Curator Laura Burlton chose three of my photos for the exhibition including Home Keys pictured here. The image both recalls a memory and depicts a method of mapping.
(hōm)
March, 2024 - The Pixels + Silver group exhibition, (hōm), is on view at Christ Church Cathedral Gallery in Downtown Houston. This is a Participating Spaces exhibition in conjunction with Fotofest 2024. "Perchance to Dream" is my contribution to the show, presenting another viewpoint on the theme of "home." There are 27 artists participating in the exhibition.
Admit One: Analog Film Showcase
July, 2023 - Le matin imaginé will be screened at the FLATS and Houston Cinema Arts Society collaborative event, Admit One: An Analog Film Showcase which will unreel at the historic DeLUXE Theater, July 21, 2023. The event features exceptional works produced using Super8mm, 35mm, 16mm, and VHS formats. My film (which is just over 1-minute long) reminds one to savor the quiet moments of your life. This video was shot as a test of a late-1930s Victor Ciné Camera which was given to me as my first 16mm camera when I was a teenager in the late 1960s. I recently found the camera in my storage, brought it out, and cleaned it up to shoot this short video, embracing the flaws and quirks of the images produced by this venerable machine. For more information go to: https://cinemahtx2023.eventive.org/schedule/649f7d22fafd150040d04619
Ratio Redux 2023
May, 2023 - Curators Alex Barber and Laura Burlton at Hardy and Nance Studios in Houston have selected six of my photographs ("Daisy" is among them) for the Ratio Redux exhibition. The show celebrates analogue and alternative process photography and will be open on May 5th from 6-9 pm and on May 6th from 5-9 pm. Hardy and Nance Studios are at 902 Hardy Street in Houston, Texas 77020.
50 Artists of Houston Book Launch
November 18, 2022 was the evening of the official launch party of the "50 Artists Houston" book created by Taft and Dana McWhorter. I am honored to be one of the 50 artists featured in the book. It was a great evening of visiting with longtime friends and signing books for the first purchasers of this beautiful representation of Houston's art scene. Thanks to Taft and Dana for their dedication to this important project and the wonderful evening. The book can be purchased at https://www.diangelopublications.com/books/50-artists-houston
Voyage, Paysages, Visages
October, 2022 - I was invited to be a guest artist at Archway Gallery throughout October, exhibiting with resident artist Isabelle Perreau, who will present selections of her worldwide travel photographs, each of which is paired with one of my photographs made in the United States. While each image stands on its own, the interaction of the pairings becomes a series of nuanced dialogues that can be pointed, poignant, humorous, or ironic. This is one of the Participating Spaces exhibitions of FotoFest 2022.
Opening reception October 1st from 5 - 8 p.m. The exhibition will be on display until November 3rd. Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy, Houston, Texas
Light Around the World
September, 2022 - I will have two photographs in the official 2022 FotoFest Participating Space exhibition organized by the Houston photography group Pixels + Silver. Light Around the World is a dramatic installation of 43 photography-based artworks on 36” x 58” metal panels installed around the perimeter fences of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in the Heights. The two panels in the exhibition which feature my photographs are both connected to the immediate neighborhood where the exhibition will be on display.
One of my panels, "Lifelong Fan," is a portrait of a resident of a nearby senior citizen apartment building. He is well-known in his community to be a longtime fan of 1960s rock music, especially the Rolling Stones.
My second panel, "All Masked-Up" is a photograph of a life-sized Elvis statue in front of Venus Hair Salon, a Heights neighborhood fixture for decades.
The exhibition can be seen starting September 10, 2022, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1819 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77008, with a public opening reception that day from 1:00-3:00 pm and artist talks at 1:30 pm. The photographs will be on display for three months.
The Found Still Life
September, 2022 - Juror Douglas Beasley, founder and director of Vision Quest Photo Workshops, selected my photo "Take a Seat, Any Seat" for The Found Still Life, a 2022 FotoFest Participating Spaces exhibition. My photo is one of 50 images selected for the show, which features an international line-up of artists. The exhibition will open on September 24 and run through November 5, 2022.
The Art League of Baytown is located at 110 W. Texas Ave. in Baytown, Texas 77520, in the historic Old Goose Creek Arts and Entertainment District.
Black and White Art Show 5.0 at Hardy and Nance Studios
April, 2022 - Two of my photographs were selected for the Hardy and Nance Studios Black and White Art Show for 2022. “Books at Dusk” and “Take a Seat, Any Seat” represent the range of formats I use for my works, the former being printed from an 8X10 negative and the latter originating on 35mm. The show will be open for one evening only, April 16, 2022 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Hardy and Nance Studios are at 902 Hardy Street in Houston, Texas 77020.
“Ensconced” selected for A. Smith Gallery Online Exhibition
March, 2022 - A. Smith Gallery in Johnson City, Texas has selected my photograph “Ensconced” for its “forgotten” online exhibition. I made this photo during the height of the pandemic and it is a visual representation of the oppressive isolation and darkness that I and many others felt at the time. My photograph is one of 55 selected by jurors Dawn Surratt and Sal Taylor Kydd out of a field of 659 entries. The exhibition opens March 18, 2022 and runs through April 28, 2022. There will be a Facebook Live Gallery Talk April 2, 2022 at 3:00 pm. A. Smith Gallery is at 103 N. Nugent Avenue, Johnson City, Texas 78636. The exhibition can be seen at:
“Dumber Than…” selected for Archway Gallery Exhibition
July, 2021 - “Dumber Than…” (alternately titled “Dumb As…”) has been selected by juror Wayne Gilbert of G Spot Gallery for the Archway Gallery Thirteenth Annual Juried Exhibition. The exhibition opens on July 10 and runs through August 4, 2021. There will be an all-day reception on opening day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; masks and social distancing required. The juror’s remarks and awards presentations will be posted on the gallery website. Archway Gallery announced, “We received a record number of submittals by a record number of artists this year, and the exhibition will present some truly inspiring works.” It is an honor to be included among the selected artists.
My photograph “Double Anxiety” won an honorable mention award at the Twelfth Annual Juried Exhibition. In 2018 my “65: The Unshed Tears of Tomorrow” was also an honorable-mention-award winner in Archway’s juried exhibition.
“Isolate” at A. Smith Gallery
July, 2021 - A. Smith Gallery in Johnson City, Texas has selected my photograph “Isolate” for its upcoming Common Objects exhibition. My wife, Rosalind, and I are fans of crossword puzzles and we did lots of them as we self-confined at home during 2020. For this image I watched for a word appropriate to the circumstances of the pandemic to appear in a puzzle. It didn’t take long before the word “isolate” showed up, and I photographed the puzzle page in our kitchen. My photograph is one of 35 selected by juror Kevin Tully out of a field of 380 entries. The exhibition opens July 9, 2021 and runs through August 29, 2021. There will be two Facebook Live receptions on July 31 and August 28, both at 4pm. A. Smith Gallery is at 103 N. Nugent Avenue, Johnson City, Texas 78636. Click here for more information.
“Alone Together” in Dallas Center for Photography exhibition
July, 2020 - “Alone Together” has been selected by juror Nancy Borowick for the Dallas Center for Photography online exhibition, Picturing Home. Ms. Borowick said “During this time of pandemic and quarantine, the camera has been an outlet and a lens through which to explore this unique time in our lives where the world has become much smaller and defined.” There will be an online opening reception on Saturday, July 18 at 11 am CDT via Zoom and a printed catalogue, which can be purchased from DCP. You can see the exhibition by clicking here.
“Double Anxiety” at Archway Gallery Honorable Mention
July, 2020 - Juror Wayne Gilbert of G Spot Gallery awarded an honorable mention to “Double Anxiety” at the Archway Gallery 12th Annual Juried Exhibition. This photo is part of my current work, COVID-19 Moods and speaks to how the pandemic causes anxiety on multiple levels and in different ways for our highly diverse community. The exhibition of 38 selected artists is presented until July 30, 2020 online as well as in the gallery which is open by appointment only during the coronavirus outbreak in Houston. The show can be seen virtually at the Archway site by clicking here.
Closures Due To Coronavirus Pandemic — March 16, 2020
As you can imagine, the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted FotoFest and all related art events in the Houston area. I had previously posted information about five events where my photographs were scheduled to show. Here is updated information as I understand it at present. The Ratio Redux exhibition opened, but the closing reception at Hardy & Nance Studios has been cancelled. The Rising Stars & Texas Legends festival in Conroe has been cancelled. The Pixels + Silver reception at Christ Church Cathedral has been cancelled and the exhibition may not show at all due to the closure of the venue. The reception at the Art League of Baytown has been cancelled, but the gallery is currently open. I have not gotten word from the Baytown Sterling Library about the “Double Take” show which is on display now, but I suggest you check their website for updates on the scheduled artists' reception.
I extend my thanks to all of the organizers and curators and jurors who selected my work for these exhibitions and worked so hard to bring these shows together. The circumstances that have arisen are unfortunate, but I know there will be new opportunities for all of us in the near future.
In the meantime, I will be posting new photographs as often as possible on the New Works page of my website. I just uploaded four new images today. So visit the site and follow me on Facebook or Instagram for up-to-date information.
Everybody be safe, stay healthy, and remember the arts. We’ll see you in better times!
FotoFest Participating Spaces: Art League of Baytown — March - April, 2020
"Imagery: Shadow and Light" at the Art League of Baytown is truly an international show with 50 photographs representing 39 photographers from coast to coast as well as Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK. Noted Houston gallerist, Catherine Couturier of Couturier Gallery, was the juror of this international exhibition. I am proud to be included in this very competitive exhibition with my photograph, “The Air Itself is Filled with Monsters.” The show runs at the art league gallery at 110 W. Texas Avenue in Baytown from March 7 - April 18, 2020, with an opening reception on March 28th from 6:00 - 8:00pm.
FotoFest Participating Spaces: Baytown Sterling Municipal Library — March - April, 2020
I am very pleased to be represented in the "Double Take" exhibition at the Baytown Sterling Municipal Library at 1 Mary Elizabeth Wilbanks Avenue in Baytown. The show was curated by Diane Griffin Gregory of Diane Griffin Gregory Consulting. As the title of the exhibition suggests, the images presented demand a second look to understand the full intent of the photo. One of my six images is a portrait of talented Houston painter Page Piland and his big fish. The show, which includes six artists, runs from March 8 - April 19, 2020, with the opening reception on March 28th from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.
FotoFest Participating Spaces: Christ Church Cathedral — March- April , 2020
"Beautiful World - Beautiful People" at the Christ Church Cathedral Cloister Gallery at 1117 Texas Avenue in Houston will feature the Pixels + Silver group show curated by Joe Aker. My entry for this show is a portrait of legendary blues guitarist Milton Hopkins taken while he was performing with Texas Johnny Boy. Pixels + Silver is a group of emerging to mid-career photographic artists based in Houston who meet on monthly basis to critique and discuss their work. Its name indicates that the members use both analog and digital media to create their art. The show runs from March 21 - April 24, 2020, with an opening reception on March 26th from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.
g. watson photos to be exhibited at Conroe arts festival — March, 2020
"Rising Stars & Legends of Texas" is an arts festival production of the Greater Conroe Arts Alliance, which selected six of my photographs for display as part of the event at 202 N. Main Street in Conroe -- one of the many festival venues. My photo exhibition runs from March 12 - 21, 2020. The March 12th opening reception at 6:00 pm will feature the exhibition of my still-life studies of vintage tools, including "Clamped Down," and a special reading by 2019 Texas Poet Laureate Carrie Fountain.
Click here for more information about the festival.
Ratio Redux analog photography show — March, 2020
"Truckin'" is one of two photographs selected by curators Alex Barber and Laura Burlton for "Ratio Redux 2020", a photography exhibition celebrating analog and alternative photography. "Truckin'" was taken on a beautiful day as I happened upon a community Tai Chi group in Bryant Park in New York City.
"Ratio Redux" will be at Hardy & Nance Studios located in Houston’s historic warehouse district, at 902 Hardy Street, Houston, TX 77020.
The show will be on display from March 8 through March 14, 2020. For a first look at the exhibition with many of the artists present, come to the opening reception on March 8th from 5:00 - 9:00 pm. Street parking is available and the event is free and open to the public.
Landscape exhibition at Art Car Museum — December, 2019 to February, 2020
"65: Between" was selected for the open call exhibition at the internationally known Art Car Museum in Houston. This photograph is my humanist interpretation of the exhibition theme of LANDSCAPE. "With 100 artists, one is sure to find as many different perspectives, media and techniques. The Open Call show is always highly anticipated by the art community and community at large. In the past thirteen year’s Open Call Exhibitions, the museum has enjoyed the privilege of showing the works of contemporary artists from Houston and around the nation.” The exhibition runs through February 23, 2020. 140 Heights Blvd. (between I-10 and Washington Ave.
g.watson photographer at Art @3 Corners — November 2019
I was proud to be invited to exhibit at Art @#3 Corners at Meek Studio and Gallery. It was a beautiful autumn day to set up a tent outdoors to display my newest work and return to public exhibition for the first time since building my new studio. It was a great venue and I enjoyed being amidst such talented artists. Texas Johnny Boy provided an amazing blues soundtrack for the afternoon. Thanks to all who came out!
The new darkroom is complete!—October 2019
At last! My new darkroom and work space are now complete and functional with two sinks and five enlargers, each with a specific printing purpose. The new space allows for more streamlined developing and printing processes and improves my ability to make larger prints. This great new space is based on my design, which was informed by my experience in other darkrooms. I’ve just begun to use the space; it will take some getting used to new routines, but I’m already feeling completely at home. I intend to resume photographing new material soon and putting this dream darkroom to work.
g. watson photographer has moved!—June 2019
After more than seven years at Spring Street Studios I have vacated studio #229 there in anticipation of occupying my new, purposely-built private studio space. Over the past year I have designed and commissioned the construction of a personal studio with the darkroom of my dreams and an office space overlooking a tree-covered garden. Construction of the studio began in the spring of this year and will be completed later this summer. The new darkroom will expand my capabilities and allow me to work more efficiently, especially with larger paper sizes.
While I will miss the creative community and the public spaces of Spring Street Studios, I am looking forward to further expanding my exhibition opportunities around the city and beyond. I will be sending exhibition event notifications through this newsletter and through social media postings as well as previews of new works. A good way to keep up with the current status of my work and exhibitions will be to follow my Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/gwatsonphotographer/ - or my Instagram page - https://www.instagram.com/filmgary/. My e-mail and telephone number remain the same.
Change comes with forward motion and the future looks exciting and very creative!
g. watson photographer's experiments with 19th-century photographic technology are featured in his Artist of the Month exhibit at Spring Street Studios--April 2019
Gary Watson, g. watson photographer, not only specializes in traditional film-based black-and-white photography, but in his current exhibition at Spring Street Studios he adds elements of 19th century technology into the mix. Some of the still-life photographs in the exhibition were exposed on large-format glass-plate negatives similar to those that were available in the late 1800s. Further, some of them were photographed using a British brass lens manufactured in the 1890s that Gary acquired at an antique photography shop in Paris. The still life works in the exhibition are portraits of abandoned and rusty tools photographed in studio as well as on location. One of the five works in the exhibition is a matrix of nine 20" X 16" photographs that are joined to make one image. Gary's other photographs can be seen in studio 229 at Spring Street Studios.
The Cape Cod Museum of Art selects g. watson photographer's "...the right of the people to assemble..." for its "We the People" exhibition, examining Americans' relationship with the U. S. Constitution--March 28 - June 9, 2019
The words, "We the People," introduce the preamble to the United States Constitution written by the nation's founders in 1787. The Cape Cod Museum of Art in Dennis, Massachusetts, challenged artists across the country to submit works that show how modern-day Americans interpret and relate to that important document. g. watson's photograph "..the right of the people to assemble..." shows a protester at Houston's Tax Day March in 2017 wrapped in the American flag. The photograph is now included in the exhibition that asked artists to respond to current political culture in light of the goals of the country's founders and guiding principles. g. watson is proud to be included in this exhibition where artists have proposed and addressed strong, important issues at both the community and the individual levels in America today. The opening reception for the exhibit is April 12 at the Cape Cod Museum of Art. More details at https://www.ccmoa.org/current-exhibitions.
"Face time: A Photo Portrait Show" focuses on the art of human representation at Hardy & Nance Studios --March 16, 2019
g. watson photographer was among Houston photographers selected to show how portraiture remains an important form of social commentary, self-expression, and beauty. "Face Time: A Photo Portrait Show" was presented at Hardy & Nance Studios on March 16 and featured g. watson's "Good Question" and "Pussy Hat." These two documentary photographs were taken at March for Our Lives and Women's March demonstrations in Houston.
Landscape fragments by g. watson photographer are included in "Landscapes Observed and Interpreted" at Spring Street Studios exhibition--March 1 -April 27, 2019
A collection of eight black-and-white photographs by g. watson photographer is displayed in the Spring 2019 exhibition of Spring Street artists that emphasizes how landscapes reflect the relationship between human ambition and nature. Watson's photographs offer a focus on small, but meaningful fragments of spaces that include natural phenomena within the context of modern development. The exhibition, curated by Ananda deMello of Art Habit, will be on view until April 27.
"Art Inside Out" invitational exhibition features noted 10 artists and a great autumn afternoon -- October 20, 2018
Painting, photography, mixed media, and sculpture were all on display at Meek Studio and Gallery at 1903 Spring Street. g.watson photographer was among 10 noted Houston artists invited to exhibit and sell their works at Art Inside Out, an outdoor event hosted by glass artist Bill Meek. The event also celebrated a beautiful autumn afternoon after a very rainy morning. Attendees were treated to music by Texas Johnny Boy rhythm and blues band and barbecue and beverages provided by Spring Street Beer and Wine Garden's food truck. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made a surprise visit to show his support for the arts in Houston.
Provocative artwork, including three g.watson photographs, highlights "Nightmares II" at Hardy-Nance Studios -- October 20, 2018
It was a one-night exhibit designed to produce feelings of shock, unease, and maybe a little gallows humor among viewers. Three of g. watson's photographs, including two from his "65" series, were selected to add to the nightmarish atmosphere of the "Nightmares II" exhibit at Hardy-Nance Studios at 902 Hardy Street, Houston 77020. "65: Physical Manifestation Difficulty" was a show favorite.
g. watson photographer helps Spring Street Studios exhibition celebrate "Neighbors" in emergng artists community. -- September 29, 2018 - January 12, 2019
"Neighbors," curated by noted Houston artist Dennis Nance, features 23 current artists of Spring Street Studios. The art celebrates not only the community of artists in the repurposed buildings of Sawyer Yards, but also the larger network in Houston that supports and encourages art in the city. For this exhibit, g. watson's photographs at the iconic Kaboom bookstore on Houston Street were selected to represent the eclectic neighborhood surrounding the artists studios. The photographs were originally commissioned by the blog AboutHou.com, which showcased creative individuals who make Houston so unique.
g. watson's Paris photographs selected for "Fenêtres-Windows" exhibition in French Consulate's offices in Houston. -- November 2018 - April 2019
Sixteen photographs taken during g. watson's travels to France have been curated by art gallerist Yvonamor Palix for exhibition at the French Consulate's offices in Houston. In describing the exhibit entitied "Fenêtres-Windows," Ms. Palix writes, "Through this exhibit we understand the importance of windows in the work place and how an image is transformed by the viewer into a moment of reflection, of travel or escape from her/his own reality. 'Fenêtres/Windows' is a moment of contemplation through the colors and textures captured by the camera, the brute beauty of nature to the exultation of history through the portraiture of monuments and places or simply the observation of humans. The artists, all from diverse backgrounds and aesthetic markers have one thing in common - the passion for the arrested moment."
The exhibit willl be on view until April 2019 at the French Consulate's offfice, 777 Post Oak Boulevard, Suite 600, Houston, Texas 77056. It is open to the public on Fridays, from 2 to 5 pm. All exhibted artwork is sold through Yvonamor Palix Fine Arts - yvonamor@gmail.com or 281-467-6065.
Lee College exhibit features works from artists of Spring Street Studios, including g. watson photographer's Transport Bay."
Lee College in Baytown, Texas, opened its PAC Art Gallery from September 10 to October 19, 2018, to the working artists of Spring Street Studios to showcase works that were especially meaningful to each artist's artistic philosophy and/or career. g. watson photographer selected "Transport Bay" to represent his dedication to traditional photographic processes and the printed word. The photograph features g. watson's signature black-and-white film photography focusing on a young woman surrounded by hundreds of books. This photograph has also been used in a poster produced by g. watson celebrating a quote from astronomer Carl Sagan on the significance of books in the history of mankind.
g. watson photograph from "65" series garners honorable mention award from Archway Gallery exhibition -- July 7 - August 2, 2018
Being selected for the 10th Annual Juried Exhbition at Houston' s venerable Archway Gallery is an honor in and of itself. This year, nearly 200 works were submitted by 162 artists, and only 62 works by 54 artists were selected for the show. But g. watson's "65: The Unshed Tears of Tomorrow" was also among the five Honorable Mention awards presented at the opening reception on July 7, 2018. The juror of the exhbition was noted art consultant Diane Griffin Gregory. Sales from the exhibition benefit Archway Gallery's selected 2018 nonprofit Rescue Bank. The show continues until August 2, 2018, at Archway Gallery, 2305 Dunlavy Street, Houston, Texas 77006.
g. watson photographer is very proud to exhibit at three 2018 Fotofest Participating Spaces locations
These locations are independent venues across the city of Houston and the surrounding region presenting photography exhibitions in conjunction with the prestigious international Fotofest Biennial photography event. Scroll down for the details.
1. g. watson celebrates self expression in Fotofest Participating Space solo show -- March 6 -April 12, 2018
"Be Yourself - Speak Your Mind: The Art of Self-Expression" is g. watson's solo exhibition opening March 6 at the Bosque Gallery at Lone Star College - Cy-Fair. More than 30 photographs representing diverse styles of documentary, allegorical, and personal photography create both observational and declarative statements to provide a catalyst for emotional responses, thoughtful discussion, and positive action.
From the theater of public demonstrations to personal declarations of self-identity, "Be Yourself -- Speak Your Mind" looks at the art of activism and the activism of art. Ideas become performances played out for public consumption, proclaiming, "This is who I am, this is what I believe."
The exhibition will be on display from March 6 to April 12. There will be a reception with an artist talk on March 22 from 5 to 7 pm and a Tea+Art+Talk session on April 3 from 1:30 to 2:15 pm. The Bosque Gallery, located at 9191 Barker Cypress Rd, Cypress, TX 77433, is open Monday through Thursday from 10 to 3 pm.
2. Fourteen g. watson photographs selected for "Inhumanity," a Fotofest Participating Space exhibition -- March 3 - April 13, 2018
"Inhumanity" is a Fotofest Participating Space exhibition at Mixed Emotions Fine Art at 95 Tuam Street in Houston. The show, featuring works by Joe C. Aker, Lyn Sullivan, and g. watson, will be on display from March 3 to April 13. g. watson will have 14 photographs in this exhibition, which examines the subject of anger and violence spawned by global threats and internal divisiveness. Among the g. watson images presented are photographs of the Westboro Baptist Church demonstrating at Houston City Hall and armed protestors rallying against Syrian refugees outside a mosque in Richardson, Texas. This exhibition was curated by noted Houston photographer Joe C. Aker. There will be a reception on March 6 from 6 to 8 pm.
3. Safety Pin #2 selected for Fotofest Participating Space group show -- March 15-April 22, 2018
A group exhibition sponsored by Silver + Pixels and curated by Joe C. Aker will feature g. watson's award-winning photograph, "Safety Pin #2". The exhibition will open on March 15, with a reception from 5 to 8 pm, and will remain on display until April 22. This Fotofest Participating Space is located at 1100 Louisiana in downtown Houston. Silver + Pixels is an organization of professional photographers in Houston.
Gods and Monsters are Featured at the "Remember You Will Die" Memento Mori Exhibition at Texas Art Asylum--October 28-29, 2017
Four photographs from g. watson's "Gods and Monsters" series have been selected for "Remember You Will Die," the 2017 Memento Mori exhibition at Texas Art Asylum at 1719 Live Oak, Houston, Texas 77003. Rising to popularity in the 17th century, this genre of artwork emphasizes our mortality. The show will feature more than 30 Houston artists. The photographs selected from "Gods and Monsters" evoke memories of black-and-white monster movies of the distant past and refer to immortal life, life regained, or defying death. Show hours are Saturday October, 28, from 4 to 8 pm, and Sunday, October 29, from 1 to 5 pm. Admission is free to this "creepy, cool, thought-provoking, witty, and amazing" show.
g. watson photographer selected to exhibit at 2017 Art Hop in Georgetown, Texas--September 29 through October 28, 2017
Update: g. watson's Safety Pin #2 wins second-place in 2017 Art Hop Photography Division
I am honored to have one of my photographs selected for the 2017 Art Hop Exhibition in Georgetown, Texas. This prestigious event is a statewide juried art exhibition organized by Georgetown Art Works, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the arts. This is the tenth anniversary of the Art Hop, which draws entries from across Texas in all art media.
My photograph, "Safety Pin #2", will be exhibited at the Georgetown Public Library. The exhibition opens on September 29 and runs through October 28. On September 30, the opening reception starts at 2:00 pm at the Georgetown Public Library and will move to the Georgetown Art Center at 3:15 pm for the awards ceremony. The Art Hop is a great showcase for Texas artists, and I was pleased to have received an Honorable Mention in Photography in the 2015 Art Hop.
Alliance Française de Houston presents «Entre deux tranches de baguette»--September 28 through December 9, 2017
French painter Agnès Bourély and g. watson photographer will collaborate on an exhibition at the Alliance de Francaise de Houston. The title of the exhibition is <<Entre deux tranches de baguette>> "Between Two Slices of the Baguette), reflecting the contrapuntal relationship of the works presented. Agnès' large-scale, colorful abstract paintings play against g. watson's black-and-white phhotographs of Paris to create a complex harmony of expression while each collection retains its own individuality.
The opening of the exhibition is September 28, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Alliance Française de Houston, 427 Lovett Boulevard, 77006, celebrating La Fete de la Rentrée. For more details, go to http://www.alliancehouston.org/events/
Images from the series of Paris photographs by g. watson photographer are now on sale at Jardin de France in Houston
g. watson is pleased to announce that a selection of photographs and greeting cards is now available for purchase at Jardin de France http://jardindefrancetx.com, a boutique specializing in French antiques and plants for the home and patio. Gary states, "My photographs are right at home among the many eclectic items assembled by proprietor Patrice Watine. This is a fascinating shop that is a hidden Houston gem,"
Jardin de France is located at 4819 Blossom Street (at Durham south of Washington Blvd.) in Houston, 77007. Hours are Tuesday - Saturday 10AM - 5PM
Artists share personal experiences through visual expression in "Internal Dialog: External Communication" at Spring Street Studios exhibition--June 12 through September 10, 2017
g. watson photographer's two black-and-white photographs express the artist's interpretation of the disconnect between the internal and external experience and meaning of aging. These personal photographs are part of a four-photograph series called "65." Each one is a multi-layered construction of figurative and symbolic images that represent both the defiance and urgency of staying vital and creative while facing inevitable outcomes. The show features "65: Youth Existing in Adverse Conditions" and "65: Synapse"
g. watson photographer is the Spring Street Studios Featured Artist for June 2017
An exhibition of g. watson's most recent work is on display throughout the month of June on the second floor of Spring Street Studios. The work includes the American Liberty Guiding the People," "No Way to Treat Mother," and two photographs from the new "65" series.
"The First 100 Days: Artist Respond" exhibition gives voice to concerns about current political environment--April 29, 2017
g. watson photographer is honored to have an installation of photographs in "The First 100 Days: Artists Respond," a juried. one-day show presented on Saturday, April 29 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Silos At Sawyer Yards (1502 Sawyer St, Houston, Tex. 77007) in the Washington Avenue Arts District.
“Artists throughout history have responded to the political environment,” said curator Matt Adams. “This art show will take its place in political history as the ‘art demonstration to remember.’ It had to happen – so we made it happen in Houston.” Adams says that the art show promises a realistic, abstract, and emotional point of view of the first 100 days of the Trump presidency and will include painting, photography, collage, digital works, and sculpture. The submission process requested that artists express their feelings via art about President Donald J. Trump.
The centerpiece of g.watson's installation is "American Liberty Guiding the People," an allegorical image surrounded by six documentary photographs of Houston demonstrations against the Trump administration.
"Emerging Consciousness" exhibition features g. watson's images of the world's mistreatment of Mother Nature--March 11-April 30, 2017
A new exhibit at Spring Street Studios insists that artists have the responsibility and privilege of reflecting on issues in current times because they have the ability to shock, inspire, and incite action. In "Emerging Consciousness: A Growing Awareness of Our Environmental Impact," Spring Street artists honor Earth Day by creating works that emphasize the necessity of continued vigilance to protect the environment, no matter the recent efforts to abuse and exploit it. For this exhibit, g. watson created two photographs that portray how society's willful ignorance and carelessness are endangering and abusing the environment to the extent that "Mother Nature" will soon be forced to turn on us. "No Way to Treat Your Mother" and "Mom's Pissed Off" are part of this exhibit that encourages visitors to have a renewed sense of awarenss and responsibility for the earh we share, not only on Earth Day, but every day.
The Emerging Consciousness exhhibition is on display along the first-floor corridors of Spring Street Studios from March 11 to April 30, 2017.
"France: In the Eye of the Beholder" exhibition, including photographs by g. watson photographer, celebrates the Month of Francophonie in Houston--March 1-31, 2017
Does art have a nationality? Do artists have a "langue maternelle?" These are the questions that are at the heart of a new French-themed exhibition, "France: In the Eye of the Beholder" <<La France: Dans l'œil du spectateur>>, currently presented at The Silos at Sawyer Yards.
g. watson photographer is pleased to have two photographs selected for this juried exhibition, which is included in the French Cultures Festival coordnated by the French Consulate. Twenty-four Sawyer Yards artists made personal artistic statements about French culture as they have experienced it or believe it to be, looking beyond traditional French symbols and focusing instead on cultural experiences that emphasize the language of art. g. watson's "L'escalier fou" is one of two photographs taken in Paris and selected by jurors Tracy Xavia Karner of the University of Houston, and Hélène Schlumberger of McClain Gallery.
The opening reception is from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at The Silos at Sawyer Yards, 1502 Sawyer Street, Houston, Texas 77007. The exhibition will continue through March 31.
g. watson's thought-provoking visual essay, Dear Lieutenant Governor, "We're Just People," highlights issues facing transgender community--January 7 to February 18, 2017
g. watson photographer is pleased to announce his newest photographic exhibition titled, Dear Lieutenant Governor, "We're Just People," presented by The Tank Space at Spring Street Studios. The exhibit consists of a 19-image black-and-white photo essay, telling the story of a transgender woman in Houston. The photos are supported by her personal narrative in text. This candid series explores the emotional and practical challenges of being a transgender person in Texas.
The opening reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at The Tank Space at Spring Street Studios. 1824 Spring Streeet, Houston, Texas 77007. The exhibition will be on display from January 7 through February 18.
Click here for a Houston Press article (01/12/17) about Dear Lieutenant Governor, "We're Just People."
"At the Speed of Light," a new exhibition at Spring Street Studios, features g. watson's color and black-and-white floral series
Recently, g. watson took a slight detour from his black-and-white photography and added color to a series of floral prints. It includes three large-format images, each one photographed in color and in his customary black and white. The floral series explores the changing perception of the image content with the presence or absence of color. The series was selected for the new exhibition of artists at Spring Street Studios called "At the Speed of Light," curated by Armando Rodriguez. The exhibition encourages viewers to step inside the work to truly experience the artist's intent. The paintings, photographs, and sculptures displayed in the exhibition are arranged to encourage contemplation.
g. watson's "The Silos" photographic series is now a permanent exhibition at The Silos artists' community
It's a case of "The Silos" within The Silos. g. watson's photographic series, which documents the transformation of the massive Riviana Rice processing facility near downtown Houston has been installed as a permanent exhibition in the galleries of its inspiration. The 21 black-and-white photographs are a portrait of the building, revealing the "spirit" of its past and seeing details that had been overlooked.
In his artist's statement, g. watson writes: There are spirits in old, abandoned buildings – spirits of former occupants, their jobs, and their lives. These spirits live in left-behind artifacts, such as markings on the walls, worn handrails and stair steps, light fixtures, signs, and in hundreds of details that define a sense of the purpose of the building and the workers who made it function. For many abandoned buildings, those spirits turn to dust in the rubble of demolition. But when derelict buildings are thoughtfully repurposed with vision and creativity, the spirits of the past enhance the spirits of the future, resulting in a powerful synergy.
The exhibit is shown in collaboration with three 360° videos of The Silos created by photographer Syd Moen to reflect the co-existence of old and new in the renovated artist community in the Washington Avenue Arts District. While the videos feature complex digital imaging, g. watson's legacy photographic tecnique with vintage film cameras focus on durability, beauty, and continuing viability.
Holocaust Museum Houston features work by g. watson photographer in a thought-provoking, juried exhibition of Texas artists--September 30 to December 31, 2016
Two of g.watson;s photographs are included in "Genocide: Man's Inhumanity to Humankind," an exhibition at the Holocaust Museum Houston. There were 600 submissions by Texas artists for this contemporary art exhibition presented by noted juror Clint Willour and Gustav Kopriva. Exploring the suffering humans are capable of bestowing on one another, the 65 selected works in the exhibit teach against the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and apathy. The selected g. watson photographs are excerpted from his larger series, titled "Le monde n'a plus de sens" or "The World Makes No Sense Anymore." The exhibition at the Holocaust Museum Houston will close on December 31.
The first-ever juried exhibition of artists working at Houston's Sawyer Yards Creative Campus
One of the floral photographs, "Le lys en noir et blanc," was selected for the first-ever juried exhibition of artists working at Houston's Sawyer Yards Creative Campus. This is an event that is specifically aligned with the annual Houston Art Fair. The artworks were selected by juror Clint Willour and will hang in the Silver Street Studios corridors from September 28 through October 8.
AIA Houston's Gulf Coast Green conference includes art exhibition showcasing g. watson's "The Silos" series--April 28, 2016
Art and its relationship to the environment were the themes of an exhibition curated by AIA Houston at its Gulf Coast Green conference at The MATCH. g. watson's "The Silos" series was selected for its documentation of the transformation of a deteriorating rice processing plant into a thriving arts commnity. Using traditional black-and-white photography, g. watson created a portrait of the massive building, revealing the "spirit" of its past and seeing details that had been overlooked. The series also highlighted
g. watson's legacy photographic tecnique with vintage cameras, which parallel renewal and rediscovery with a focus on durability, beauty, and continuing viability.
g. watson photographer participating in "What's Left?" exhibit at the French Consular Residence, Houston--March 5, 2016
Curated by Yvonamor Palix and Jane Seam, "What's Left?" is a collective exhibit of 12 international artists/photographers visualizing "an acclamation of the fierce battle humanity must wage against itself...to preserve some dignity and further the potentialities of life." Twelve selected g. watson photographs are included in "What's Left?" His photographs contemplate our loss of history and sense of humanity in an ever expanding throwaway society.
Contributing to the Fotofest 2016 Biennial, the exhibit is open to the public from 1:00 to 5:00 pm on March 5, 2016, at 1904 Kirby Drive, Houston. RSVP contact: Yvonamor Palix at yvonamor@gmail.com or ypalix@yvonamorpalixart.com. Also by telephone at 281-467-6065. Visits after that date are by appointment only.
Aker Imaging Gallery presents g. watson photographer's "The World Makes No Sense Anymore" Solo Show--February 13 to March 1, 2016
"The World Makes No Sense Anymore" (Le Monde n'a plus de sens) is a multifaceted photographic series of 39 images that explores the challenge of sustaining humanity and compassion in a time of extremism and violence. Following the horrific terrorist attacks of November 2015 in Paris, Gary was moved by the emotional wounds inflicted far beyond the actual scenes of that carnage. At the same time, hundreds of thousands of regugees were fleeing war and genocide in their homelands and were met with fear and suspicion and most recently, undisguised hatred. This show is about the reactions to acts of terror and intimidation and the conflict between security and compassion. The work spans events both in the United States and Paris in the months leading up to and immediately after the Paris attacks.
The artist reception for this new show is 6-8 pm on Saturday, February 13, at Aker Imaging Gallery, located at 4708 Lillian, Houston, Texas. The solo show will continue through March 1.
Assistance League of Houston includes artwork by g. watson photographer in its 2016 exhibit--January 13 to February 26, 2016
g. watson's "The Air Itself is Filled With Monsters" has been selected for the prestigious annual Assistance League of Houston Celebrates Texas Art exhibit. The juried art exhibit opens at the Williams Tower Gallery, 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, on Wednesday, January 13 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. The exhibtion includes a wide range of visual arts; and artwork is available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Assistance League. The show will be on display from January 13 to February 26.
"I'm honored to be included in this exhibition and very happy to be showing with such an amazing group of outstanding arts," said Gary Watson (g. watson).
For more information about the Assistance League, go to assistanceleaguehou.org
Black-and-white photography adds a different dimension to COLORSHOW exhbition at Spring Street Studios--November 14, 2015 to January 31, 2016
In an exhibition that celebrates the influence and power of color on artistic expression, g. watson's black-and-white documentary photography in COLORSHOW suggests how the absence of color demands from us self- reflection--especially on controversial social issues. Four photographs by g. watson, documenting the display of human emotions at significant and sometimes disturbing moments in our society, were selected for this curated exhibition. The show is open daily starting November 14 on the first floor of Spring Street Studios.
g. watson photographer wins Honorable Mention in Photography at 2015 Art Hop statewide competion in Georgetown, Texas
The photograph "Liberté, Égalité, Sororité" (formerly "Love Smiles and the Flag Wins") garnered one of the top five awards in the photography category at the 2015 Art Hop, sponsored by the Georgetwon Art Works. More than 900 statewide entries in multiple art disciplines were submitted for judging and exhibition, more than any previous year. Gary Watson attended the opening reception and awards ceremony on October 4. Special thanks go to the organizers and judges of Art Hop, which continues through October 31. Limited editions of the print are available in the g. watson photographer studio.
g. watson photographer exhibits documentary work at 2015 Art Hop in Georgetown, Texas--October 2 to 30, 2015
Two photographs by g.watson photographer have been selected for the 2015 Art Hop, a statewide arts competition that celebrates Texas arts. g. watson's provocative documentary images include "Teach Your Children Well?" featuring two young girls participating in a Westboro Baptist Church anti-gay demonstration and "Liberté, Égalité, Sororité" reflecting the joyous celebration of the Supreme Court ruling upholding gay marriage.
Art Hop is organized by Georgetown Art Works and is free to the public. The exhibition will be open from October 2
to October 30. For more information about Art Hop, please click here.
Site Houston showcases g. watson's traditional film photographs documenting the transformation of a rice processing plant into Houston's newest arts community--November 6, 2015 to January 30, 2016.
A combined exhibit featuring g. watson's black-and-white photographs and 360° video created by photographer Syd Moen has been selected for the Site Houston installation inside The Silos on Sawyer. The photographs document the former Riviana rice facility at the beginning of its transformation to the newest arts community in the Washington Avenue Arts District. In all, 26 Houston artists will be exhibiting at this unique venue.
For more information about Site Houston, please click here.
Nine images by g. watson photographer included in new Spring Street Studios exhibit, "Skin in the Game" -- February 14 - April 18, 2015
A building-wide exhibition at Spring Street Studios features images from g. watson's figurative series. The exhibition is titled "Skin in the Game" to describe the absolute passion of artists to present their creative vision to the world. It was curated by Angel Quesada, program manager within the Folklife + Traditional Arts Department at the Houston Arts Alliance. The exhibition showcases work by 26 Spring Street Studios artists.
g. watson photographer Uses Traditional Film Photography to Document Large-Scale Conversion of Houston Rice Processing Facility Into Vibrant Arts Community
This year will see the opening of yet another exciting arts community in the Washington Avenue Arts District by Spring Street Studios developer Jon Deal. The Silos on Sawyer repurposes the enormous former Riviana Rice processing plant located just west of downtown Houston into a much-anticipated arts and retail space. Gary Watson has teamed up with fellow Spring Street Studios photographer Syd Moen to document the development of The Silos for a permanent exhibition at this new arts facility.
Houston Press Art Attack Blog Profiles g. watson photographer and His New Figurative Work -- December 11, 2014
Photographer g. watson is garnering attention with three new figurative photographs.
Art Attack asked Gary Watson about his new work and included comments from the model about her collaboration with Watson in creating these dramatic and expressive images. Read more....
g. watson Photograph Selected for "The Christmas Closet" Cover Art
Author Richard P. Alvarez's coming-of-age story has just been published, and a photo by g. watson graces the cover. "The Christmas Closet" is an adaptation of the award-winning screenplay by Alvarez. A romantic coming-of-age novella that utilizes magical realism to examine the nature of family, friendship, loss and first love, "The Christmas Closet" is suitable for the entire family. Gary is thrilled that his photo was selected for this new work. Read more and buy the book...
le Flâneur series at Alliance Française de Houston's 2014 La Féte de la Rentrée — September 18, 2014
The Alliance kicks off its 2014 fall session of classes and events with an exhibit of g.watson's
photographic series of Paris. Read more....
"Male #2" selected for THE ELEGANT NUDE exhibition at The Gallery at the Watershed in Eugene, Oregon — September 23 - November 1, 2014
"Male #2, a dramatic figurative study, was selected from works that were submitted from around the globe. Among the jurors was rock-and-roll icon Grace Slick. Read more....
"Duality of the American Theocrat" selected for art exhibit accompanying Stark Naked Theater's production of "The God Game" — September 4-20, 2014
Curated by Houston artist Dianne Webb, the art exhibit, MORAL AMBIGUITY: BEYOND BLACK AND WHITE, reflects the theme of THE GOD GAME, which examines the role of faith on the national political stage. g. watson's photograph depicts the unsettling, extreme possibilities of a modern American theocracy. Stark Naked Theater's highly relevant and thought-provoking production will open in Studio 101 at Spring Street Studios, 1824 Spring Street. The art exhibit will run concurrently in the gallery outside the theater. Read more...