New exhibit at HCC West Loop Campus Gallery combines art and science

Aug 11, 2015

 If you are wondering how art and science work hand in hand, then you might want to see the newest exhibit at the Houston Community College (HCC) West Loop Campus Gallery. Artist Natasha Hovey creates sleek, contemporary sculptures based on her exploration of human physiology and her own genetic makeup. Questions about her health inspired Hovey to create her latest installment of ceramic work called “One of Two or More”.

“I thought ‘what are the doctors looking for’?” said Hovey. “So I gathered all of my medical records and tests and compiled them into booklet and dissected the medical records and translated that into a visual story.”

Hovey does not expect everyone who sees the three large pieces on display titled Positioning, Traits, and Relative Proportions to get her message; but instead wants visitors to interpret the art how they see fit.

“I hope it is visually interesting and I hope people can relate to it in a variety of contexts,” she said.

Maureen Lewis, gallery coordinator, wanted to highlight the Ceramics courses offered at HCC and thought hosting Hovey’s work at the West Loop Campus Gallery would be an ideal way to expose students to this level of art.

“I like the fact that her work is very streamlined,” said Lewis. “Natasha breaks things down to the very basic elements of something so the viewer might not know the concept behind the work at all—but considers the work based on their viewpoint.”

You will have a chance to meet Hovey and hear the stories behind her pieces during an artist reception at the West Loop Campus Gallery from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, September 8. The exhibit runs from now until September 10 and is free and open to the public, Monday-Saturday. For information on the Fine Arts programs offered at HCC, visit hccs.edu/programs.