Pink
N’
Skin
Houston News
We tell our stories through the lens of a camera. Here at Pink N’ Skin, we give viewers a glimpse into the vibrant arts and culture scene in Houston. From art auctions to the annual Art League Gala, Pink N’ Skin has you covered when it comes to showing you all that’s happening in H-Town. Whether it's a local artist's debut exhibition or a high-profile cultural event, our mission is to capture the essence of Houston’s creative pulse and share it with the world. Stay tuned as we delve into the heart of the city’s artistic endeavors and celebrate the talent that makes Houston a cultural hotspot.
Every month we showcase what’s happening in Houston’s vibrant art scene and spotlight one artist from the past, present, and future. Photojournalism is at the heart of our mission. We believe it to be one of the most powerful tools in storytelling and one that shapes not just our present but our future.
Editor’s Choice
The "Houston Is Inspired" mural, created by artist Mario Figueroa Jr. in 2013, has captured the hearts and imaginations of millions online, becoming the most posted image of Houston on Instagram. Commissioned as part of a national advertising campaign to bolster Houston's culinary arts scene, this vibrant mural has transcended its initial purpose to become a beloved emblem of the city's artistic spirit. Showcasing a striking blend of colors and motifs, it stands as one of Houston's most captivating artworks, earning international acclaim and being featured in numerous global publications. This iconic piece not only celebrates the city's rich cultural landscape but also underscores the power of public art to inspire and unite communities.
Painted Villages of Ecuador is part of selection from two years ago from artist Jeffery Becom. The work was showcased at Houston’s Catherine Courtier Gallery.
This month’s spotlight
Color Holds New Meaning In Jeffery Becom’s Painted Villages of Ecuador
July 15, 2024
Jeffery Becom, an acclaimed artist and early advocate of color photography in the 1970s, is renowned for his deep commitment to documenting pre-colonial Indigenous cultures worldwide. Over a span of 15-16 years, Becom immersed himself in Central America, meticulously capturing how Indigenous communities used specific colors to signify life and death in their painted objects. His series, "Painted Villages of Ecuador," is a vivid testament to South America's rural Andean villages. Through his lens, Becom not only showcases the vibrant aesthetics of these communities but also conveys the rich cultural narratives he unearthed through personal interactions with the residents. This body of work exemplifies Becom’s evolution from a painter to a photographer, highlighting his lifelong dedication to preserving and honoring Indigenous cultural heritage through visual storytelling.
Highlights
Painted Villages of Ecuador Spotlighted At Houston’s Catherine Courtier Gallery
Jeffery Becom had to wait hours to get the perfect shot of moving residents in front of these colorful architectural units. His advice to young artists is to practice patience.
The photograph on the left is of a person in Central Ecuador carrying an bullhead on their shoulders. Leather working families often tried selling these extra heads after many bull fights in town.
All of the photographs displayed aren’t manipulated in any way except for some digital masking according to Jeffery Becom.
Limits Create Colorful Opportunities
While many contemporary artists and photographers rely heavily on modern tools like Photoshop and AI to enhance their projects, Becom hails from a time when such technologies were not available. During his travels, Becom often restricted himself to a single roll of film, capturing roughly 36 photographs per week. "I was traveling six months at a time; I couldn't carry much with me," Becom explained, emphasizing how these constraints shaped his approach to photography. He found that the repetition and natural development through such limitations led to unique results, setting his work apart from others. When asked about his views on modern technology and its impact on the art industry, Becom remarked, "There is always a tendency to look for shortcuts" in creating art nowadays.
upcoming events
Hands-On Houston: Balanced Sculpture
3
Photographer of the week
Richard Avedon
1923-2004
Richard Avedon was a trailblazer in the realm of fashion portraiture, known for his ability to capture the drama and dynamism of his subjects with remarkable flair. Unlike traditional photographers who often aimed for static poses, Avedon encouraged his subjects to move, express, and even perform, infusing each frame with a sense of life and energy. This approach resulted in images that were not just visually stunning but also deeply engaging on an emotional level, drawing viewers into the narrative of each photograph. His work possesses a contemporary pop luster that continues to captivate both the eye and the mind, making his portraits timeless pieces of artistry that transcend the ordinary. Whether capturing the elegance of a fashion model or the raw emotion of a cultural icon, Avedon's innovative techniques and keen eye for detail have left an indelible mark on the world of photography.
Get in Touch
@PinkandSkin
@pinknskin
pinkandskin24@gmail.com