LOCAL Houston | The City Guide JANUARY 2015 | Page 22

Local January 2015_FINAL_002houston 12/18/14 4:04 PM Page 22

RENÉ GARZA
Chances are if you’ve driven on I-45 in the last few months you’ve noticed an interesting public art project covering the entire façade of a building with a black material almost reminiscent of Venom from Spider-Man adventures.
A Moment is René Garza’s attempt at freeing the mind from its inner dialog by creating a meditative state for the
viewer. I asked him what inspired such a meditative piece especially since he works in the fast-paced fashion world.
“I have lived in NYC for over 10 years. I only come to Texas a few times a year. This summer I decided to do an art
residency in Houston. I was very surprised how stressed people got while driving on the freeway. I just envisioned
all that negative energy being released every day. So when the opportunity came up to do an art installation on the
side of I-45, I jumped at the chance to facilitate a calming moment in people’s day.” Fashion and art have always
found a way to mingle, but it is rare to be someone with his hands in both areas. René shares that “it is difficult to
create, not just in time but also in space. Our living situations are significantly smaller than in Texas. That is why I
have decided to stay in Texas for a year and just create art. But being creative is a must for living. I would say it’s
like a plant growing through the concrete. There is always a way.” And now there’s a way to find peace while driving on one of the least peaceful highways in the nation.

by Carla Valencia de Martinez
Photography by Collin Kelly

22 L O C A L | january 15