Ellen Noël Art Museum Exhibit Features

Acclaimed Texas Artist Benito Huerta

Meaning of Sight, an exhibition of dynamic works by acclaimed Texas artist Benito Huerta, will open at the Ellen Noël Art Museum Jan. 9. The exhibit, on display through Feb. 28, includes drawings, watercolors, prints and oils that derive visual influence from many sources, including art history, news events, politics, pop culture and the artist’s own ethnic background.  Huerta, a celebrated figure in the arts throughout the United States, employs cultural imagery of ancient and living cultures to explore and map the origins, interactions and potentials of human experience. His blending and layered use of familiar objects awakens the memory and imagination to reflect upon the greater whole of humanity and to focus on new perspectives of what awaits society in the future.

Meaning of Sight, Benito Huerta, 2003, watercolor

The artist’s works combine figurative and abstract traditions on a variety of mixed grounds, including paper, board, canvas and metal sheeting. His works are the result of personal investigations that explore the internal and external relationships of human knowledge and experience.

Huerta will speak about his work at 7 p.m., Feb. 4, at a free artist reception. Those attending the reception are invited to enter a drawing for two Shrimpfest general admission tickets. The tickets will be given away during the evening; you must be present at the time of the drawing to win.  Tickets for Shrimpfest 2010, set for Feb. 22, will also be available for purchase.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Texas Commission on the Arts, Odessa Council on the Arts & Humanities, Connoisseurs and Fine Arts Connection.