here comes the art

Rare showing of John Lennon's art comes together at Houston gallery

John Lennon's work as a visual artist takes center stage at Off the Wall Gallery.

Images Courtesy of Yoko Ono © Yoko Ono

A rare showing of artwork by the late, legendary Beatles guitarist John Lennon will be on display for a limited time at Off the Wall Gallery in The Galleria. Dubbed Give Peace a Chance - The Art of John Lennon, the showing will be open from August 20 to September 7.

“From the unique perspective of our Art Gallery, John Lennon, a music icon, is often seen as a multifaceted artist,” Off the Wall principal and gallerist Mimi Sperber-Wasserberg tells CultureMap. “His visual work, often overshadowed by his music, provides a distinct view of his complex personality, beliefs, and artistic vision. Understanding Lennon as a songwriter and visual artist enhances the audience's appreciation for his creative output. This grasp attracts a broader audience, including music and art enthusiasts, who may be less familiar with this aspect of his work. This expanded reach can reignite interest in Lennon's entire artistic legacy. Furthermore, his visual art challenges preconceived notions and encourages more profound engagement with the intricate relationship between music, art, and the artist's life.”

Lennon is mostly famous for his work with the Beatles and as a solo artist, penning such hits as “Imagine” and “Strawberry Fields Forever.” However, Lennon attended the Liverpool Art Institute in the late 1950s, and eventually focused heavily on visual arts as the Beatles wound down. In 1969, he gifted his wife, Yoko Ono, with a portfolio of artwork as a wedding present. He died in 1980, shot by a deranged fan.

John Lennon Art Off the Wall Gallery The works focus on Lennon's themes of peace and human communication.Images Courtesy of Yoko Ono © Yoko Ono

The pieces in the showing are lighthearted and open, focusing on Lennon’s themes of peace and human communication. The works show a light side to the often controversial artist, leaning heavily into human figure doodles and animal scenes.

While the originals are not for sale, the showing is offering extremely limited-edition prints approved by the John Lennon Estate for public purchase. Each is meticulously crafted to the estate and Ono’s standards and feature an embossed signature from Lennon. They come with a certificate of authenticity, establishing them as a part of a limited run. It’s a unique chance to own a part of the artistic legacy of one of the foremost promoters of peace and love in popular culture.

“Lennon's themes of love and communication are more relevant than ever in today's world,” says Sperber-Wasserberg. “While our times are marked by challenges such as climate change, political division, and technological isolation, the core human need for connection and understanding remains constant. Lennon's music and art offer a beacon of hope. His belief in the power of human connection reminds us that even in the darkest times, love and understanding can prevail, so let’s all give peace a chance!”

Hours and more information can be found on Off the Wall’s website.

on the bright side

'First-of-its kind' Houston park reveals 6 murals by local artists

Houston artist Ade Odunfa stands in front of his mural "Salt Marsh" at the Hill at Sims.

Photo by Scott Julian, courtesy of Houston Parks Board

"Birth From the Sea" by Ade Odunfa

One of Houston's most innovative green spaces, the Hill at Sims, is edging toward completion as artists put the finishing touches on a series of six beautiful murals. They should be ready when the park has its grand opening on Saturday, May 23.

The project is being led by Harris County Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis and the Houston Parks Board. Located in Sunnyside along Sims Bayou, it combines a flooding retention pond with walkways and other infrastructure to create a unique multi-use community space. Adding a series of environmentally-themed murals highlights the project's dedication to empowering nature around Sunnyside.

“When we bring art, resilience, and opportunity together in one place, we create something that can serve and inspire future generations for decades to come," said Ellis in an emailed statement. "The Hill at Sims is a community-oriented, first-of-its-kind green space in the neighborhood I grew up in. These murals honor Sunnyside, celebrate the natural world, and help turn public space into something people feel proud to protect.”

The murals include “Impression of Nature” by Emily Ding, “Step Into the Wild” by Carlos Alberto, “Birth from the Sea," a reproduction of a John Biggers’ mural by Ade Odunfa, "The Heron and the Fish” by Ana Marietta, “Rêverie” by Amy Sol inspired by Claude Debussy’s 1890 solo piano piece, and “Salt Marsh”, another Biggers reproduction by Bimbo Adenugba.

Houston is a major mural and street art city, with an increasing number of spaces using murals to showcase local talent as well as bring a sense of identity to locations like the Hill at Sims. The green space offers both a massive natural setting in a neighborhood that has traditionally been underserved in park acreage with an elevated point to view the whole city, a rare treat in a place as flat as Houston. Thanks to the Bayou Greenways Project, a 150-mile series of trails that connects parks across Houston, people can walk or bike to the Hills at Sims if they choose to.

"Our goal is for every person who visits this park to feel that Hill at Sims truly represents the Sunnyside community. Public art is a powerful and joyful way to evoke feelings of connection and stewardship in public settings,” said Justin Schultz, President and CEO, Houston Parks Board, in an emailed statement. “Houston Parks Board is proud to support Commissioner Ellis to bring Sunnyside residents a transformative, multi-benefit greenspace that captures the spirit of Houston: turning our climate challenges into vibrant community assets.”

The total cost of Hill at Sims is $28.3 million. Funding comes from Precinct One ($18.8 million), The Brown Foundation ($7.5 million), with an additional $2 million from public federal and state funds secured by State Representative Alma Allen and Congressman Al Green. When complete, it will feature a 1.6 mile basin loop trail, water access pier, a parking lot, a 2,000-square-foot open air pavilion with restrooms, flexible lawn space for active programming, and picnic pavilions.

parks visual-art hills at sims anderson