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    No one buys, no one can look away

    The economics of art: George Gittoes bears Witness to a cultural dilemma intelling horrific truths

    Joseph Campana
    Aug 29, 2011 | 5:29 pm
    • "In "Witness to War" you feel you've entered the inner landscape of a great mindwho has witnessed too much. But what he's seen must be shared."
      Photo via Stadium Museum Houston/Facebook
    • George Gittoes
      Photo by Dallas Kilponen
    • "Witness to War"
      Photo via Stadium Museum Houston/Facebook
    • "Witness to War"
      Photo via Stadium Museum Houston/Facebook
    • Photo via Stadium Museum Houston/Facebook
    • "Witness to War: George Gittoes"
      Photo via Stadium Museum Houston/Facebook

    We often say art is priceless. Some art, at least.

    And yet we also know that art and economics constantly collide. The Houston Arts Alliance, for instance generously supports individuals and organizations with funds from a hotel tax. In evaluating applicants, the HAA tries to assess the impact of grants on local tourism. And in these wobbly financial times, some worry about efforts to defund the National Endowment for the Arts while others assess the contribution of the arts to the larger economy so as to argue for their importance and relevance.

    Perhaps now, more than ever, we look to the almighty dollar for validation of the arts. But we still also cherish the belief that art is beyond money. This contradiction is quickly apparent when we consider the art market. Rumors that a painting from Cezanne's 1902 series "The Card Players" sold for $259 million surfaced earlier this year.

    Perhaps now, more than ever, we look to the almighty dollar for validation of the arts. But we still also cherish the belief that art is beyond money.

    Titian's magnificent Diana and Actaeon, recently on view at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, didn't even break the top 10 list of record art sales when the National Galleries of Scotland and the National Gallery, London agreed to buy the painting, in 2009, from the Duke of Sutherland for £50 million (just over $70 million). They're currently raising funds to buy Titian's accompanying work, Diana and Callisto, for another £50 million.

    What about art that doesn't sell? Sure, there's the art that might never sell. Take the genre of "cafe art."

    I've been generally impressed with what makes it on the walls of Houston-area coffee shops and wine bars, relative to other cities. I was wowed by Katya Horner's photography on display at Beans after a Public Poetry reading at the Kendall Neighborhood Library that I took part in. But while I'm sure some will disagree with me, most work of this genre never will sell and perhaps never should.

    But there's another category of art, art is so disturbing that, no matter how much it may be admired, one wonders if it will ever appear at all, no less widely, in homes, galleries, or museums. For many, this may be a dubious goal for artists to aspire to. But display helps guarantee that great art outlives its creator. And no doubt it's also true that some works that once struck viewers this way are now displayed by art collectors and museums all over the world.

    These contradictions bring me to the art of George Gittoes, whose work is currently on display in "Witness to War: George Gittoes" at the Station Museum (the run's been extended through Sept. 18). I attended the packed opening of the show in April and witnessed, with everyone else, the profound and disturbing subject his works address: Conflict, violence and terror.

    Great artists need an unflinching eye and a fearless willingness to follow where their inspiration takes them. Where major geopolitical conflicts of the last decades have erupted, Gittoes has been: Rwanda, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Iraq. The resulting works range from massive, spectacular oil paintings to diaries full of text and images, a mock DVD store, and Mosque, a reconstruction of a mosque which plays looping video of a blood-stained survivor describing a recent massacre.

    There is a surreal, post-traumatic quality to all of the work. Exhaustion is everywhere, even in the vivid colors and the torturous depictions of violence and its aftermath. Still, I find it impossible to look away, and as I look at these works I realize that it is a privilege not to see the horrifying consequences of contemporary politics. Why should anyone have the right to look away from such enormities?

    In "Witness to War" you feel you've entered the inner landscape of a great mind who has witnessed too much. But what he's seen must be shared. You might already be in hell, much of the work seems to say, but it does not look away in fatigue or disgust. Though there is no real tenderness in the work, such acts of witness are in truth acts of great compassion. Real compassion rarely leaves behind warm and fuzzy feelings.

    I realize that it is a privilege not to see the horrifying consequences of contemporary politics. Why should anyone have the right to look away from such enormities?

    This art is neither dogmatic nor politically hectoring, but it has a real mission — a mission of truth. In an era in which the most reality-oriented forms of media seem to do the least truth telling, even including much documentary and most journalism, Gittoes is a much needed antidote.

    As you might guess, however, even in the relatively wealthy and friendly arts culture of Houston, people don't seem to be lining up to snap up these works. Gittoes told CultureMap's Theodore Bale just that:

    "When I asked about his relationship with dealers and collectors, he replied matter of factly, 'Nobody buys my work. Everyone says how much they like it, but they never buy it.' "

    It's not that Gittoes or nearly anyone else takes up a vocation in the arts to get rich. And I would guess that anything Gittoes makes as an artist funds his lifelong act of witness. I would also guess that the Station Museum, an institution committed to politically and socially engaged art, isn't exactly flush relative to other museums and galleries in Houston or elsewhere.

    Still, there's something to be learned at the Station Museum and in the presence of the works of George Gittoes, who literally risks his life in geopolitical living hell, death zones.

    What is truly priceless about art is often the discomfort it brings. No matter how disturbing that art can be, we are far richer for being exposed it its truths.

    unspecifiedseries568664000
    news/entertainment
    series/state-of-the-arts-2011

    independence day fun

    Where to celebrate the 4th of July throughout the Houston area in 2025

    Holly Beretto
    Jun 18, 2025 | 11:30 am
    Shell Freedom Over Texas
    Courtesy of Shell Freedom Over Texas
    The city has revealed the performers for its July 4 celebration.

    A country only turns 249 once. To celebrate Independence Day, cities around the Houston region have a host of entertainment options for all ages — including, of course, fireworks to light up the night sky. Happy 4th of July!

    Thursday, July 3
    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    This annual concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is free for everyone, and offers a selection of patriotic songs to celebrate the holiday. 8pm.

    Friday, July 4
    Freedom Over Texas
    Houston’s annual July 4th bash returns to Eleanor Tinsley Park along Allen Parkway with local, regional, and national entertainment, headlined by Ashley McBryde and Lee Brice. Attendees also have access to a beer garden; a sponsored area with representatives from local sports teams; the "Red, White & Play Kids Zone" with games, face painting, and entertainment; and "Liberty Park," which salutes the military and includes pictures with military assets. The grand finale of the celebration is a “Texas-sized” fireworks display. This year’s event will donate a portion of the entrance fee to the Houston Food Bank. Gates open at 4 pm. The cost is $10.

    Bubbles and Fireworks
    Buffalo Bayou Partnership hosts this event, which sets sail from Allen’s Landing at 8 pm. Hop on a boat and head into the bayou for a sensational view of fireworks over downtown, complete with bubbly, wine, beer, and light bites. The cost is $150 per person. Space is limited and this event is for ages 13 and older. Reserve online.

    City of Baytown 4th of July Celebration
    Beginning at 4 pm, the event includes live performances from groups like the Spazmatics and The Zydeco Outlaws, among others, food and craft vendors, and children’s activities. The evening is capped off with fireworks. The event is free to attend.

    City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival
    This free event at Loftin Park kicks off with a parade at 9 am. A festival, held from 9:30 am-12 pm, includes music, food, and other family fun.

    City of Friendswood July 4th Celebration
    The day begins at 10 am, with a parade on Friendswood Drive, followed by a festival in Stevenson Park with rides, games, music, and entertainment. At 7 pm, a celebration will be held in Centennial Park, with live music and other entertainment, capped by a fireworks show around 9:10 pm.

    City of La Porte 4th of July in Five Points
    After a parade down Broadway, there’s a party at Five Points Plaza, featuring free hot dogs while they last, live music, and a fire truck that will spray water in the street. All festivities are free. The fun starts at 10:30 am.

    City of Pasadena 4th Fest
    Pasadena's party features a live DJ, Pasadena Idol performers, and a host of other activities celebrating the nation’s birthday at the Pasadena Fairgrounds. The festival starts at 4 pm, with a fireworks display at 9:15 pm. The event is free to attend.

    City of Pearland Celebration of Freedom
    Live music, kids activities, strolling entertainment, giveaways, and a photo booth top the list of fun on the 4th in Independence Park, beginning at 6 pm. The evening finishes with an 18-minute fireworks display. It’s free to attend.

    City of Seabrook Fourth of July Parade
    The parade begins at the Miramar Shopping Center and ends at Rex L. Meador Park. Kids are encouraged to decorate bikes, scooters, wagons and other non-motorized vehicles for a special children’s parade. Look for a bounce house, hayrides, hotdogs and other Fourth of July-themed fun. Festivities begin at 9:30 am.

    City of Sugar Land Red, White, and Boom
    Gather at Constellation Field for this epic celebration with music, food, vendors, and a grand fireworks finale. Admission is free. The event kicks off at 5 pm.

    Dueling Pianos and Fireworks
    Katy’s Home Run Dugout hosts this bash, headlined by dueling piano duo Joilux. Guests can request their fave tunes, and enjoy a killer fireworks show. The event is free, and those attending can order bites and drinks off the gathering spot’s regular menu. Celebrations kick off at 8 pm.

    Einstein’s Fireworks Cruise on Lake Conroe
    Depart from Einstein’s Surf & Boat Shop at the Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe for this three-hour cruise, which includes music, snacks, and a great vantage point for seeing the fireworks on Lake Conroe. BYOB. The cost is $75.

    Fourth of July in The Woodlands
    An array of activities are happening all day long, beginning at 8 am with festivities that precede the 49th Annual South County 4th of July Parade, which winds through The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street, featuring fire engines, military units, and marching bands.

    From 10 am to 6 pm, Woodlands townships have a host of Red, White, and Pool activities in their pools (fees vary). Finally, the Red, Hot & Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza kicks off at 6 pm with food, live entertainment, and family fun at multiple locations throughout The Woodlands.

    Houston Symphony: Star-Spangled Salute
    The Symphony’s free July 4 concert at Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park is a Houston tradition. Expect songs like “The Stars and Stripes Forever” and “America the Beautiful,” followed by a grand finale fireworks display. The concert begins at 8:30 pm.

    Kemah Boardwalk July 4th Celebration
    The popular entertainment zone has live music beginning at 2 pm, with multiple bands taking the stage. A fireworks show starts at 9:30 pm. The fireworks show is free. Those wishing to hop on a boat and catch the show from the water need to pay $40. Boarding begins at 9 pm.

    Missouri City Fourth Fest
    Taking place on the Houston Community College - Southwest College campus, this free party includes carnival games, live performances, food from local vendors, and a fireworks display. Festivities begin at 5 pm.

    Valley Ranch 4th Fest
    Cover band Dunn & Brooks and ZZ Tex highlight this day-long celebration, which also features yard games, a kids’ zone, train rides, a shopping boutique, July 4th swag, food trucks, and a Red, White, and Brews cash bar. It’s all capped off with Montgomery County’s largest fireworks display. The fun starts at 5 pm and admission is free.

    Saturday, July 5
    Stars, Stripes, and Swing
    The Jazz Connection Orchestra performs at Margaritaville Lake Resort Lake Conroe’s Del Lago Ballroom. There’s a cash bar with offerings such as tacos, hot dogs, and other snacks. Tickets are free but must be reserved in advance. The concert is at 7:30 pm, with a fireworks show immediately following at 9:20 pm.

    Freedom Over Texas
      
    Courtesy of Freedom Over Texas
    The Freedom Over Texas celebration takes place on the Fourth of July.
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