Publications
On Site:
50 Years of Public Art of the University of Houston System
María C. Gaztambide, with an essay by Alison de Lima Greene
The beautifully designed publication commemorates the 50th anniversary of Public Art of the University of Houston System, including works by esteemed artists Carlos Cruz-Diez, Margo Sawyer, Alyson Shotz, Frank Stella and Andy Warhol. An essay by Alison de Lima Greene delves into the history of the collection, and an essay by Public Art UHS executive director and chief curator María C. Gaztambide, PhD looks toward its future. In addition, the publication highlights about 40 of the collection’s most notable works, illustrated with all new color photography and accompanied by entries written by artists, scholars, curators, and other members of the community. The book gives readers access to artworks on view to the public every day throughout the University of Houston System.
For reseller information, see here.
Click here for a feature on On Site from our friends at Pentagram, the book’s designers.
See sample spreads from the publication: Alyson Shotz, Carlos Cruz-Diez, Frank Stella, Gael Stack, George Smith, Luis Jiménez, and Pablo Serrano.
Read an edited excerpt adapted from the introduction to On Site by Maria C. Gaztambide, PhD, Public Art UHS Executive Director and Chief Curator, here.
Reviews
“Expanding the parameters of public art to include works that are on view outdoors and indoors and accessible to all, On Site documents the expansive program across five University of Houston campuses. The authors guide the reader through the process of conceiving a major public art initiative — from its establishment at the University of Houston in 1969 — to the present day.
With thoughtful analysis, María Gaztambide’s essay traces key moments in the conception of a program that was distinguished for its inclusion of artists of color and women artists, for pushing the definition of public art, and for being a leader in how the inclusion of local, national and international artists across campuses can stimulate, inspire and provoke university communities. Alison de Lima Greene’s writing brings great insight to this program, placing it in the larger context of contemporary art practice. Her essay demonstrates how deep-thinking and agile curators commissioned and acquired significant work for this collection, how artists realized dynamic new work and how developments in the field were realized through the University of Houston system.”
Brooke Kamin Rapaport
Deputy Director and Martin Friedman Chief Curator
Madison Square Park Conservancy, New York
Other Contributors
Richard H. Armstrong Adrienne G. Perry
Don Bacigalupi Don Quaintance
Bradley Bailey Mari Carmen Ramírez
Frances Colpitt Veronica Roberts
Carlos Cruz-Diez, Jr. Jeanne Claire van Ryzin
Clare Elliott Claudia Schmuckli
Pete Gershon Beth Secor
Michael Guidry Eric Shiner
Natilee Harren Irene Shum
Nancy Hixon Michael D. Snediker
Cody Ledvina Cindi Strauss
Susie Kalil Terrie Sultan
Nicolás Kanellos Roberto Tejada
Marti Mayo Alvia J. Wardlaw
Josh Pazda Clint Willour
