Rice University’s Moody Center for the Arts will kick off Women’s History Month with an opening reception for multidisciplinary artist Martha Tuttle’s site-specific public installation “the bear that longs to touch the ocean.” The event, held on the lawn adjacent to Anderson Biological Laboratories at 5 p.m. March 1, will include a conversation between Tuttle and Angela Chen, a photo-based artist and lecturer at Rice, about art, nature and the cosmos. Together they will explore their collaborative approaches to environmental art and the inspiration behind their work.
Tuttle, known for her exploration of materiality, process and memory, says the Ursa Major constellation inspired the work. Comprising seven banners adorned with photographs of the Houston sky at dusk, Tuttle’s creation invites viewers to delve into the celestial realm and ponder its significance across cultures and disciplines.
The installation is more than a visual spectacle; it serves as a catalyst for reflection and dialogue. Through poetic phrases woven into the artwork, Tuttle delves into themes of motherhood, protection, beauty and banishment, prompting observers to contemplate their own relationship with the stars and the universe at large.
Tuttle’s installation is part of the Moody’s innovative Platform series, which brings temporary, site-specific projects to campus, enriching the cultural landscape of Rice. Organized by Frauke V. Josenhans, curator at the Moody, this event is made possible by the generous support of the Moody Center for the Arts’ Founders Circle.
Register for the March 1 event here.