“Graphic Design: Now in Production”

It’s a challenge for curatorial associate Nancy O’Connor to identify a favorite, must-see inclusion in the “Graphic Design: Now In Production” exhibit now at Contemporary Arts Museum Houston. The major international exhibition exploring some of the “most vibrant graphic design work produced since 2000” is categorized into no fewer than eight separate entities of sorts: immediately recognizable posters; books; magazines; identity and branding; information graphics; typography and typefaces; and film and television title graphics.

One standout is Armin Vit and Bryony Gomez-Palacio’s Brand New: Before and After. “[It] shows the redesign of corporate logos and allows the viewer to vote which iteration (before or after the redesign) he or she likes better,” says O’Connor. “Additionally, Jürg Lehni and Alex Rich’s Empty Words allows the viewer to create his or her own die-cut poster in the exhibition.” Perhaps the exhibit’s most alarming take on found art is Anthony Burrill’s screen print poster with the words “Oil & Water Do Not Mix,” “made using oil spilled in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico spill as its ink,” O’Connor grimly explains.

There’s an opening reception 7 to 9 p.m. on July 19. Regular viewing hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays. Through September 29. 5216 Montrose. For information, call 713-284-8250 or visit camh.org. Free.

Wednesdays-Sundays. Starts: July 19. Continues through Sept. 29, 2013