Author: Robert Kimberly
More Things I Will Never Do: Dangerous Exploration of Unusual Places
Between marriage and cowardice, I have an aversion to risky behavior. While I would love to skydive, I’ve been informed that that is no longer an option (as is going to a strip club, which I never did despite 5 years single spent in New Orleans). While the idea of exploring abandoned buildings has intrigued me for some time, it will never happen. So it is through others I live vicariously, and no more so than the folks of Sleepy City.
If it was just exploring forgotten century-old tunnels behind the base of Niagara Falls or an abandoned rocket aimed at the center of the earth, that would be more than enough. But the adventures of visiting unused Soviet-era bases in Mongolia are just the icing on the cake. Living a dream I never even thought of having, these guys just amaze. So, scoff at their intentions or even disbelieve that anyone would even take an adventure like that. For me, it is proof that these guys carry on the traditions of great explorers long before them, this time with digital cameras and tattoos.
Other UE sites I like:
- No Promise of Safety – click this link and be in awe of a kid with steel nads!
- Infiltration – “…The zine about going places you’re not supposed to go…” I got all 24 issues.
- Urban Exploration Resource – “…Featuring Urban Exploration stories and a huge database of locations and pictures…” Houston included.
- Forbidden Places – Huge list of sites, introduced me to the Canfranc railway station
- UE on HAIF – 5 year-old tales of local adventure on the Houston Architecture Info Forum.
Russians and Other Space People At Rice U. Art Gallery
Being a freelancer, I’m happy to be working in a time that many are not. The last month was a little dry, so the offer to be a gallery attendant at the Rice U. Art Gallery was appreciated. And this weekend was an interesting one to be sitting at the front desk.
1) LARPing around: Saturday, a geektastic horde descended on the Sewall Hall, for it was time yet again for OwlCon. Sci-fi fans gathered to roleplay, with the Houston Browncoats living in the world of Firefly/Serenity, if only for the weekend. Other activities included Head-to-Head Miniatures Painting Competition, which I missed (meaning “missed”), being stationed in the lobby.
2) NASA via Moscow: Sunday, a group of six came to the gallery space. All were speaking Russian. When asked if he could speak any English, one replied very little and offered by explanation that they were mission specialists from Moscow working at the Johnson Space Center. So, if the next addition to the international space station resembles a FEMA trailer with bamboo cabinets, you know where the influence came from.
And that was my weekend.
Wednesday Night Photo Post: Other Houston Photographers – Night Shots with Sabotai
Firstly, a shout-out to Houstonist for thinking me worthy of some attention. Thanks, I read the site daily. For those new readers who stick around, welcome and I apologize for spelling errors that you will inevitably encounter in the future. Now, on with my regularly scheduled post…
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I don’t know if the parking spot picture is at night, but my love for this photo is that the number looks to be floating.
Art After Disaster – Paul Villinski and Banksy In New Orleans
Paul Villinski – “Emergency Response Studio” at Rice University Art Gallery – Houston, TX, originally uploaded by Mr. Kimberly.
The Rice University Art Gallery opened its exhibition of Paul Villinski’s “Emergency Response Studio” last week. Villinksi’s idea was this; artists should be embedded with other post-disaster emergency responders and this retrofitted trailer a prototype to aid in that process. Friday, I attended the artist lecture and free lunch that accompanies every exhibition the galley has. For an artist working on “A Big Idea” he was free of the pretensions that might make a person skeptical of the merits and/or success of the concept. His interview on KUHF does a nice job of putting the project in context.
That being said, another artist immediately came to mind who provided timely and worthy art to the people of New Orleans after Katrina hit. The work British street artist Banksy created in New Orleans required a little more than plane ticket and some cans of spray paint. It wasn’t created in a studio nor limited to the confines of a gallery. He (assuming the unknown artist is a he) put his critique of post-Katrina government action front-and-center of the people who were living through its failure. But the best reason to love his work is that it is really great art; concise, witty and completely relevant to its surroundings. And that is why I am always pleased when more work of his is made public.
From what I can gather most, if not all, of the Banksy’s New Orleans public art has since been erased by the Gray Ghost.
Wednesday Night Photo Post: Other Houston Photographers – Giant Shrimp Cowboy with Guns Drawn!
Elaine Bradford's "Museum of Unnatural History" @ The Houston Art League
I’ve been remiss in visiting the local art galleries. I tried to change that the last few days. Having previously seen pictures of Elaine Bradford’s exhibition, I had to go to the Art League and see it for myself. The pix aren’t quite as crisp as I would like, but they do a nice job of showing the nature of the exhibition. I liked it very much. I also hit the Blaffer Gallery, still trying to get my thoughts around the shows there, no pictures taken there.
Next on my list, the shows at Lawndale Art Center, covered here nicely at B.S. Houston Art Blog.
Wednesday Night Photo Post: Other Houston Photographers – "Erection"
Wednesday Night Photo Post: Other Houston Photographers – Day -> Night
Dressing the Dead: Elaine Bradford at the Art League
Pictures of Elaine Bradford’s “Museum of Unnatural History” installation at the Art League Houston by local blog b.s. houston. The crafted critters on display are taxidermied and altered animals with lovingly crocheted outfits. Thematic shades of The Museum of Jurassic Technology.
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Homepage of Elaine Bradford – with picture of previous and current projects.
My Flickr pictures of her 2007 Lawndale Art Center Show.
Elaine Bradford “Locked Horns and Shed Antlers” @ Lawndale Art Center 6, originally uploaded by Mr. Kimberly.
Neon Poisoning 