Aeon’s two new art installations tell the story of the building’s past and potential future.
As revealed at an event earlier this month, the Innovation Hub developed by Rice University is currently home to an installation by Houston-based artists Christopher Bray and Kill Joy, and will be located in the historic Sears Building. It is displayed in the traditional shop window of the building where it has been held for many years.
The works are part of the “Ion’s Eye on Art” program, according to the release. Each was chosen by Aeon and the Aeon District Arts Advisory Committee, with support from Piper Faust.
“Innovation and art have more in common than you might think. Many local artists are learning how to use emerging technologies to create work and hone their craft.” said Jean E. Odegaard, Aeon Executive Director. “Creativity plays a critical role in driving innovation, and we are proud to provide artists like Christopher and Killjoy with a platform that will serve as inspiration for the entire innovation ecosystem here at Aeon.”
Bray, an artist, writer, and current chief curator at the Houston Museum of African American Culture, collaborated with Aeon Prototyping Lab to create the installation. The installation uses canvas and wooden frames to depict slave ships and spaceships, and is “symbolic of where the black community has been and where it is going,” according to Aeon.
This installation is part of Bray’s latest body of work, the SpLaVCe program.
Joy’s work focuses on the environment and social justice. In her installation “Creation, Current, Solution” at Aeon, she explores the intersection of technology and sustainable living using animated puppets inspired by Filipino folklore.
Bray and Joy’s installation will be on display for the next six months, with work from other Houston-based artists to follow.
Aeon first launched “The Eye On Art Program” in March 2022. The debut exhibition included Lina Dib’s overly kitschy “Garden Self-Portrait” and Preston Gaines’ multisensory “Fantasy Landscape.” The second rotation featured “The Collective Hive” by Lisa Morales and Stacey Gressel and “Exploración Orgánica” by María Rodriguez, Miriam Mireles, Bryce Saucier, Timothy Hudson, and Victoria Armenta .
Earlier this summer, Aeon also announced that it would begin offering 12- to 15-week technology skills training courses this fall with official workforce development partners.