The New York Times Magazine featured the art collection of Dallas' Joule Hotel in a recent June spread, calling the boutique lodging an "art destination to rival its neighbors in the nearby Arts District."
Bold words? Certainly. But Joule, it seems, isn't interested in going toe-to-toe with its neighbors. Instead, it's partnering with the Nasher for a new sculpture programming series.
Headington Companies, Timothy Headington's Dallas-based business that owns Joule, has acquired "Eye", a 30-foot-tall sculpture by contemporary artist Tony Tasset. The ocular oddity arrives today and will be installed across from The Joule in a temporary exhibition space at 1607 Main Street. The placement will take an estimated week and a half to complete. Programming to coordinate with "Eye" will be developed in collaboration with the Nasher.
Before waking up here, Tasset's sculpture was commissioned as part of the Chicago Loop Alliance's Art Loop program, a site-specific non-profit public art initiative in the city's downtown area. It's modeled (scale aside, natch) after the artist's own eyeball and serves to echo pop culture elements, feelings of surveillance, themes of knowledge and power and the shared experience of living.
It joins the hotel's thriving collection of contemporary works, most of which are housed inside Joule, like Dan Rees' "Shaker Peg Painting" 2013, Tony Cragg's "Outspan," 2008, Callum Innes' "Untitled," 1996, Andy Warhol's "Electric Chairs" 1971, and more.
Interestingly enough, while Joule's owner Timothy Headington is known primarily for his success in oil and natural gas, his background is entirely rooted in the arts. He holds an undergrad in art history from University of Oklahoma, has co-masters degrees in theology and psychology and holds an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters recognition from Fuller Theological Seminary, his alma mater. Headington also dabbles in film as a partner in Graham King's production company, GK Films, which has funded and produced big name Oscar winners Argo, The Departed and many, many more.
Grab a massive bottle of Visine and go check out Tasset's giant eye during its installation. Act quickly and be the first to 'Gram it.
