There's something beautiful about unplanned moments that shape our experience and understanding of art.

Last weekend while wandering through the Moody Center's latest opening reception for their fall exhibition, I spontaneously ran into a friend and her husband. It was one of those lovely surprises that makes Houston feel so intimate. She glided through the gallery in a flowing white maxi skirt, a loose open shirt that breathed as she walked, and her six-month pregnancy creating its own graceful geometry.

It wasn't until we embraced that I realized she had unknowingly become part of the exhibition itself.

Bio Morphe, the Moody Center's current show, explores bio-morphism through works by seven international artists: Berenice Olmedo, Lucy Kim, Tishan Hsu, Christina Quarles, Louise Bourgeois, Eva Fabregas, and Sui Park. The exhibition examines how artistic forms inspired by natural patterns and shapes reveal the complex relationships between technology, the human body, and the organic world.

The wall text reads: "Bio Morphe allows visitors to explore the parallels between experimental artworks and contemporary issues prompted by research in science and technology."

Walking into the main floor, my eyes immediately gravitated toward coral-like sculptures scattered throughout the space. From a distance, these multi-colored forms in vibrant reds, greens, oranges, and blues created an underwater dreamscape. But moving closer revealed their true nature: thousands of zip ties carefully constructed into cellular structures.

Sui Park's installation responds to the Moody's architecture by creating tension between synthetic and organic materials, transforming mass-produced industrial objects into forms that mimic biological life.

In the second room, a floor-to-ceiling structure of bulbous, tan-colored latex forms dominated the space. Barcelona-based artist Eva Fabregas describes her pieces as "the guts of the architecture," drawing inspiration from placentas and umbilical cords. The skin-like surfaces seemed to breathe, creating an appearance both alien and familiar. Here, my friend paused for photos alongside the structure, her own body in creation mode echoing the organic curves and swells of the artwork.

Art mirrors life, or something like that.

Everything's always transforming, adapting, becoming something else. Celebrating the messiness and beauty of bodies, nature, and society in flux, the line between what's art and what's real life felt pretty blurry. And maybe that's exactly the point.

Bio Morphe is now on view at the Moody Center for the Arts until December 20th.

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LATELY IN HOUSTON

Lea Salonga’s in Kpop Demon Hunters? Thanks to this Houston Chronicle interview we’re just finding this out that the iconic Lea Salonga had a singing cameo in the movie as Celine. If you want to see the Disney and Broadway queen herself, she’ll be at Miller Outdoor Theatre on Saturday night. See y’all there!

Bye, bye gas station BBQ. ICYMI, Brisket & Rice is now open at their new location on Highway 6. It’s giving bigger, it’s giving better. It’s giving we’ll take two brisket and rice’s, please and thank you.

Happy 50th anniversary! From what first started with poetry readings to now dedicated award winning seasons, Main Street Theatre Celebrates a half-century milestone of building and influencing the theatre community in Houston. A foundational place for Houston actors, it’s acknowledged as the space for Houston actors to grow their craft. Endurance, indeed.

WEEKEND EVENTS

All Weekend

• Tamagotchi USA Road Trip

• Bio Morphe at Moody Center

• Finals shows of American Psycho The Musical

• Final weeks of Floating World: A.A. Murakami at MFAH

Thursday, 9/11

6pm-9pm, Guest Chef Series | Experience Shooting Stars at Perseid with ChopNBlok’s Chef Ope Amosu. “We’ll kick things off with Perseid’s canapés before sitting down, family-style, to a three-course feast crafted by Chef Ope. Expect a night of rich flavors, shared plates, and stories that stretch far beyond the table.” $135.

7pm-8pm, Dance | Line Dance Night at POST. Free.

8pm-12am, Racing | Turtle Racing at Little Woodrow’s Midtown.

Friday, 9/12

5pm, Bingo | Sunset Bingo at Levy Park. “Bring your crew the second Friday of each month for a fun evening set to the backdrop of soulful tunes from DJ Del Sur. All event proceeds directly support the park’s operation and programming.“ $10 cash only. $1 daubers available for purchase.

6pm-2am, Nightlife | Festival Noche De Cumbia.

6:30pm-10pm, Date Night | Brew at the Zoo. Sold Out.

6:30pm, Dance | Intro to Dance at Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Free.

7pm-11pm, Art Show | Studio Ghibli: 40th Anniversary Tribute Art Show at Insomnia Gallery. “Join us on Friday September 12th as we host dozens of local artists presenting Ghibli-inspired fan art, art of their own in the Ghibli style, creative mash-ups, Houston theme twists and more- all paying homage to the studio that revolutionized the animation industry and inspired filmmakers, animators, and artists alike for 40 years now!” Free.

Saturday, 9/13

3pm-10pm, Market | Sumos Unos at Karbach Brewing. “We’re proud to announce that our 3rd annual Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off is now Somos Uno! A celebration of cultura, música, y comunidad!” Free.

11am-12pm, Crafts | Origami at Evelyn’s Park with Japan America Society of Houston.

5pm-8pm, Opening Reception | "When the Air Remembers" a solo-exhibition by Jatziri Barron by Kroma Art Gallery at Silver Street Studios. Free. RSVP.

7pm-10pm, Live Music | Axelsad: Emo Night at Axelrad with live bands, market, and karaoke. Free.

8pm-10pm, Live Music | Shakira Tribute Rooftop Concert at POST. $23.

Sunday, 9/14

1pm-4pm, Food | Houston BBQ Throwdown 2025 at Saint Arnold Brewing Company “featuring 14 of Houston's best barbecue restaurants competing to create the next great barbecue dish that represents Houston-style barbecue.” $86+.

1pm-4pm, Block Party | Beer Can House Block Party. “With our sponsors at Saint Arnold Brewing Company, we host free quarterly block parties to meet new friends and maintain old friendships. Free libations, hands-on craft activities, and live music are all featured at this family-friendly event.” Free.

4pm-6pm, Workshop | Mommy and Me Floral Workshop at Eden. $75.

5pm, Sports | Houston Polo Club: Douglas Elliman Classic season opening. $18+.

7pm, Live Show | The Extraordinary Magic of Jason Ladanye at The Heights Theater. $76+.

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

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