Client: Discovery Green

Overview

Featuring the artwork of 20 local Houston artists, House of Cards was a site-specific public art installation at Discovery Green in the heart of Downtown Houston. This monumental light and sound installation was made up of 126 individual light boxes taking shape as oversized playing cards that featured original compositions of local artists alongside the work of international artists from previous installations by House of Cards.

Colorful and radiant during the day, the installation was transformed into a choreographed light show at night. The cards were illuminated with an animated program that created the illusion of the House of Cards rising, collapsing, and being rebuilt again. Israeli-based design studio OGE Group designed the project and worked with Weingarten Art Group to highlight the talent of local artists in the Greater Houston area.

Goals

Looking for ways to activate the large Sarofim Picnic Lawn, Discovery Green was seeking a public art installation that would inspire the diverse audiences that enjoy the park every day and to embrace the arts community by highlighting the work of local artists.

Process

A Request for Proposals was issued to artists in the Greater Houston area to submit card designs for the installation that was created by OGE Group. From over 160 submissions, 20 artists were selected by members of a committee from OGE Group, Discovery Green, and Weingarten Art Group. After the installation on site by OGE Group, Discovery Green crafted programs to engage a broad audience through virtual events and also developed COVID-safety protocols to allow visitors to enjoy the installation in person. The outdoor nature of this installation proved to be a delight for park visitors as a safe activity for the whole family to enjoy.