Art is all around us. Colors, textures, and lines, among other elements that constitute a piece of art, inevitably generate an emotion inside of us that can magically change any space's atmosphere. Even if we are not fully aware of it, we have all experienced a spark of sentiment incited by art in a unique way.

That’s why I think Public Art is essential to any community. To be exposed to magnificent installations or sculptures as part of our everyday commute can transform our lives into a cultural journey without even realizing it. This has been Public Art of the University of Houston System’s mission for many years and I’m excited to share with you today their new and exciting projects.

Did you know that Public Art UHS is one of the most significant university-based public art collections in the United States?

That’s right! Public Art UHS is a premier art organization that impacts and enriches the daily lives of more than 80,000 students and staff at the University of Houston. Its unique model of blurring the lines between art and the public, positions the organization as an exemplary 21st-century museum.

Throughout the years they have excelled at their commitment to creating a collaborative ecosystem where superior artists like Jacob Hashimoto, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Sarah Braman, Marta Chilindrón, and Jeffie Brewer, among many others, share their visionary artworks with the community.

In the next few months, I’ll be exploring their incredible temporary and permanent collections to share with you my favorite works of art and their locations on campus so you can also visit them and become a part of this creative community.

So, the first one you don’t want to miss is Jorge Pardo’s newest temporary installation called Folly.

I had the opportunity to attend Folly’s opening event and I loved it. Folly, by Mexico-based Cuban American artist Jorge Pardo, is inspired by a garden folly- a decorative structure meant for delight rather than function. This installation is a perfect blend of art, architecture, and design that seems like a simple building from the outside, but it’s filled with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors and eclectic patterns inside.

It was such a pleasure to meet and chat for a little bit with Mr. Pardo. Since he's bilingual, I asked him if he had thought of the name of the installation “Folly” in Spanish or English, and he said he had thought of it in English and had never translated it. He took his phone out of his pocket and google translate the word, Folly. We looked at each other laughingly when we read that the translation was “locura” or madness. We both agreed this installation had a little bit of that as well. I loved his sense of humor.

Folly will be on view through 2023, so don’t miss the opportunity to visit the installation, and have fun taking lots of colorful and unique pictures.

While you’re there, you can also take an Art Walk on campus with this downloadable map featuring art sites all throughout campus.

Folly by Jorge Pardo

Open daily from 9 am -7 pm

Location:

University of Houston - Wilhelmina’s Grove

Parking:

When coming on to campus, the most convenient parking lot to begin your tour is Lot 16B, located across from Wilhelmina’s Grove near Moores Opera House in UH’s Arts District. Google Maps.

Thanks to Public Art UHS for opening its doors to artists from around the world and sharing them with us.

Learn more about Public Art UHS here:

I was compensated for my post, but all opinions and photographs are my own.