Beautiful glowing jellyfish with gently curling metal tentacles present a stunning example of biology and technology. The majority of the room is taken up by a screen where Mother Nature takes the stage here. Beautiful, fertile, colors swirling gracefully. And she is full of rage and sorrow.

Anicka Yi is a contemporary Korean-American artist well known for transforming spaces into sensory ecosystems where scent, decay, microbes, industrialization, technology, and AI challenge how we perceive life, art, and ourselves. 

Her latest work, Karmic Debt is currently on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. This exhibition invites us to witness the Earth and rethink our roles in nature and the systems we exist in. The Feminine takes a central stage here, standing in full power and upholding even the smallest of things in nature as vital and worthy of respect.

When thinking of subverting the traditional vision for femininity, we often look to specific themes and art for inspiration. Women have been put into boxes for centuries, packaged up conveniently by patriarchal cultures. We are to be soft, ever smiling, ever giving, submissive, and always projecting domestic bliss.

Anicka sharply reminds us in Karmic Debt where we come from and who our Mother is. Woman is all-encompassing, breaking free from her restraints, and she is furious. The exhibit strongly speaks to themes of feminine rage, decomposition, and how technology now collides with the natural world, for better or worse. 

The images slowly transform through the process of creation and destruction, delicate yet full of a visceral anger. Fungi, decay, regrowth, machines, metal, organisms swirl and blend together. The images feel symbolic and mythic. Spectators watch in quiet awe as the screens showcase colors of pink, crimson, bruised purple, and green. We witness often ignored species that exist on the margins and are so vital for nature and her process. 

Creation is shown being slowly corrupted and destroyed. The rage of Mother Nature, creating and witnessing wanton destruction, is palpable. In a human-centric society, we’re no longer the center of our little universes. We must sit and watch in respectful awe as we realize what we’ve done to the Earth and how even the smallest, most insignificant things have been destroyed without thought. 

We are decentralized, a part of our own destruction as the victims, perpetrators, and witnesses. The crippling feeling of horror at the helplessness of it all takes hold and it dawns on us how truly dependent we all are on nature and how deeply she has been wronged.

Sound echoes in the room as the images repeat, fully immersing us back into the scene and leaving us all with the haunting question: Did we ever realize the consequences for our actions? How angry we have made nature?

Anicka Yi does not answer this for us. It’s an invitation the viewer must choose to accept, to examine our actions and role in this universe. Karmic Debt is a truly stunning immersive experience and remains on display in Houston until September 6th, 2025.

Date night’s on us! We’re partnering with Houston Museum of Natural Science to giveaway 4 tickets to Mixers and Elixirs. Curated by us, enjoyed by you. Two readers will win TWO (2) tickets to the evening. Click this link to enter the giveaway.

Winners will be randomly selected and emailed tomorrow morning.

With cash bars, delicious bites from food tents, and nonstop energy, this is the ultimate summer night out. We’re turning out the jams in a whole new way at HMNS! Each venue will offer its own distinct atmosphere: dueling pianos, DJ SupaStart with the dinosaurs, karaoke and Coyote Ugly onscreen. Mixers & Elixirs is on Friday, July 18 from 7-11pm.

LATELY IN HOUSTON

A parking pain. There’s too much parking, but no where to park? Parking minimums, rules that require developers to have a set amount of parking spaces, are partly the cause of parking pains in Houston. Bottom line: walkability takes a back seat and costs are up for everyone. Boo. 

“He’s Simon Biles with coins.” Houston-raised Eric Chien is ready to make magic moves. An immensely skilled magician, he’s aiming to unveil a new performance that’s expected to fully raise the bar of magic on a global stage. His hope? Magicians and audiences experience the rare wonder of universes re-created.

No shoes, no entry means… Dress codes are nothin’ new but are now required to be posted up at clubs and dance halls after two Houston officials recently got denied entry after wearing tennis shoes. Oops. Now, there are some spots around town that use “dress code” as a tool for something else. We’ll see how this plays out and affects night life.

Wanna hit a new spot? Yes, please. The Infatuation just dropped their newest Hit List for new restaurants to check out in Htown. Buzzy Succulent, Agnes and Sherman, Doko and Silk Road are all recommended and highly rated. Idk about you but we’re big fans of Doko’s booth-like seating at the bar. (Best of both worlds!)

ONLY IF YOU KNOW

All Weekend

• Frida Fest at Karbach Brewery

• Summer Symphony Nights at Miller Outdoor Theatre

• Agatha Christie’s The Mirror Crack’d at Alley Theatre

• Latin Restaurant Weeks

• Wishing Hours at Perseid

Thursday, 7/17

6pm-9pm, Bingo | Play Blanket Bingo at Market Square Houston. It’s $10 to play (credit card only) and all proceeds go to park programming.

7pm-10pm, Lotería | It’s Lotería night at Verde Garden! Free to play. $7 valet.

7pm-10pm, Dancing | Celebrate the 3-year anniversary of Salsa y Bachata night at POST! “Join our free monthly Salsa Night, which includes Salsa, Bachata, and more...” Free. RSVP.

8pm-11pm, Pop-up | Plume is hosting a lingerie pop-up! “Enjoy exclusive discounts on our luxury pieces, sip curated cocktails, and indulge in delicious bites.” Free.

Friday, 7/18

8pm-10pm, Tasting | Attend El Bandido’s Tequila Tasting at NettBar Shady Acres. “Sample a variety of tequilas and learn about their unique flavors and origins. Whether you're a seasoned tequila connoisseur or just looking to expand your palate, this event is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good tequila.” $25.

9pm-1am, Nightlife | ECLIPSE nights are now at Solarium. Stop by for live sets by DJ Felix Avila. Free.

10pm-3am, Nightlife | DJ Enamour is spinning at Art Club’s Club Mode with our friends, Machine Elves. GA $25. Use code “Machine20” for 20% off.

Saturday, 7/19

8am-9am, Yoga | Start your morning right with a Sunrise Yoga Class at Hermann Park. “Come join us for a rejuvenating yoga session as the sun rises over Hermann Park Pedal Boats.” Free.

9:30am-12:30pm, Crafts | Orange Show is hosting a mosaic-making class. “These introductory-level workshops are facilitated by veteran Smither Park artists who instruct in the basics of mosaic design, encouraging you to experiment with colors and shapes to create your own unique piece of art to take home.” $50.

12pm-5pm, Market | Moody Center for the Arts is hosting their Summer Jam. “Enjoy hands-on art activities, gallery access, face painting, bubble play, an indoor farmers market, local food vendors, and more.” Free.

2pm-6pm, Market | Divine Market is having a Trinkets & Collectibles market. “✨We’re serving up summer vibes, cuteness, and charm.” Free and all ages.

9pm-2am, Nightlife | Want to actually dance on the dance floor? Mood to Move is THE House music event for you. “MoodToMove has become a staple in Houston nightlife—month after month of sold-out shows, 1200+ deep, and a dance floor that speaks for itself.” $28+.

9pm-2am, Nightlife | Social Club will be posted up at Sneaks, featuring DJs @maiyathepapaya__, @ninthsage.co, @scooperachi.

Sunday, 7/20

7pm-8:30pm, Cake Picnic | Honey Art Cafe is hosting their very last Cake Picnic at their location. “Bring your interpretation of A Midsummer Night's Dream cake! In addition to cake, there will be drinks, snacks, and art activities - all included with your ticket price!” They’ll be moving to a new location in the fall. $40 to just attend. $20 if you bring a cake.

Congrats to last week’s winners to Mossrose Bookshop and Segundo Coffee!

ON THE HOU(S)E Concierge

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