Artist Jimmy Houston draws what he calls “cartoonish varmints” — that is, animals, robots and other odd, funny, imaginary characters. For his new show, “Monkey Men in Tin Town,” his assortment of odd beings will take over the entire ZEN Art Space Gallery for two days. Houston, who was a finalist for the Hunting Art Prize, trained as a filmmaker, and he owes his limited palette to that background. (Most of his works are black-and-white or sepia.)
Filled with dark humor, the paintings include Hot Shot, a fanged monkey in a motorcycle helmet and goggles, with a cigarette hanging out of his mouth and a patch of fur peeping out the top of his jacket. There’s also Big Tex, a long-nosed robot in a cowboy hat and bandana, standing in front of the Texas flag.

While laughing at a painting would be a serious faux pas at most exhibits, it’s a response Houston hopes for. “When people laugh at my paintings, like they really get them,” he says, “that’s the best reaction for me.” 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Zen Art Space, 5175 Westheimer. For information, call 713‑960‑1159 or visit www.zenartspace.com.

Sat., Oct. 1; Sun., Oct. 2, 2011

This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2011.