LATIN ART PHENOM MAKES WAY TO HOUSTON FOR THIRD AMERICAN EXHIBITION EVER AT ACCLAIMED HOUSTON CONTEMPORARY ART SANCTUARY

HOUSTON — On Thursday, January 18, world renowned Latin American sculptor Jorge Jiménez Deredia made a rare visit stateside to Houston at acclaimed Art of the World Gallery to open his third exhibition ever in the United States: Cosmic Energy in the Sculpture of Jiménez Deredia. The energy was indeed palpable as guests gazed and internalized the bronze and marble sculptures, depictions of fluid human forms nestled among spheres Jiménez Deredia believes are not only the perfect shape, but also a unifying element representative of the “universal globality” in which we live. Represented by just a couple of galleries in the U.S., Jiménez Deredia offers Art of the World Gallery patrons an unprecedented opportunity to view and own striking modern sculptures by one of the world’s most celebrated living artists. 

Making sure the avid art aficionados didn’t go hungry, Japanese steakhouse and sushi restaurant Roka Akor presented Japanese-inspired hors d’oeuvres, including assorted Vegetable Maki Rolls, Hamachi Serrano Chili Maki Rolls, and Amberjack Nigiri, among others. Edrington Group provided a selection of Macallan whiskies for guests to sample, while meandering through the awe-inspiring exhibition to the accompaniment of a serene classical performance by star Houston Orchestra violinist Kurt Johnson. 

Following the early evening soirée, Art of the World Gallery directors Mauricio Vallejo and Liliana Molina and 30 of their heavy hitting collector friends departed for an unforgettable culinary experience at the recently opened Roka Akor on the ground floor of residential tower 2929 Weslayan for some requisite sashimi and wagyu. From Escolar Tataki with White Asparagus and Yuzu, to Wagyu Sirloin with Spicy Sweet Garlic, Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Wafu and Bonito Flakes, the night assumed a decidedly diverse and resoundingly elegant celebration of modern and contemporary art.

Taking in the spherical magnetism of both the sculpture and the evening were the famously shy and endearing artist Jorge Jiménez Deredia and his wife Giselle Zamora; interior design darling Lauren Rottet and her son Kyle Rottet, celebrity stylist Cerón, Joanne and Bill Crassas, Ken Christie, Dr. Ingrid Castellanos and Dr. Michael Miller, BeDesign’s Adrian Dueñas and Marcelo Saenz, Milton Townsend and Jackson Hicks, Peter Doyle, Lanson Jones, Christian Bruns, Houston Symphony ambassador Carlos Botero, Aymeric Martinoia and Katia Hadjiyska, Brian Crutchfield and Josef Nolnar, Houston Airport Systems Director of Public Art Tommy Gregory with Laurette Canizares, PaperCity Art Editor Catherine Anspon, Houston magazine Editor-in-Chief Ray Dennison, and Fort Worth-based writer June Naylor with artist/husband Marshall Harris.