“Vulnerable Ecologies”

Susan Stockwell transforms the remains of one of our closest companions into art. To create “Vulnerable Ecologies,”the British sculptor used recycled computer parts to construct sweeping, towering arrangements, giving busted keyboards and long-dormant circuits an almost organic grace. Stockwell’s site-specific installations have a disconcerting effect — seeing those once-clunky components dissected, interwoven and re-envisioned as rivers and skyscrapers prompts us to consider the scale and effects of our consumption. (At least in this case, the parts will be recycled by a local company once the show is over.) It’s also almost moving to consider how each scrap was once part of such a vital machine, nearly indispensable for work and social interaction but quite easily disposed of…maybe we should get outside more. Stockwell’s second exhibition of this kind — the first took place last year in Taipei — is also her Houston debut. Hear Stockwell discuss her work during an artist’s talk that’s part of the opening night festivities from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Regular viewing hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays. Through June 19. Art League Houston, 1953 Montrose. For information, call 713-523-9530 or visit www.artleaguehouston.org. Free.
Mondays-Saturdays. Starts: May 28. Continues through June 19, 2009