Vian Sora's 'Outerworlds' Midcareer Survey at Asia Society Texas Center
The Asia Society Texas Center in Houston is hosting Vian Sora's midcareer exhibition, 'Outerworlds,' which runs until August 2, 2026. This exhibit includes a series of gestural abstract paintings created using oil, acrylic, and pigment on canvas. Sora employs techniques like dripping, pouring, and masking, channeling influences from ancient Mesopotamia and modern Iraq. Growing up in Iraq during the chaotic 1980s and '90s, she lived through major historical events, such as the Iran-Iraq War and both Gulf Wars. One of her works, 'The Sky from Below,' depicts a childhood bike accident that coincided with a missile strike. The exhibition also showcases her largest piece, 'Abzu,' along with works from Etel Adnan and John Chamberlain.
Key facts
- Vian Sora's midcareer survey 'Outerworlds' is at Asia Society Texas Center through August 2, 2026.
- The exhibition was previously at Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Speed Art Museum.
- Sora's paintings use oil, acrylic, and pigment on canvas with techniques like dripping, pouring, staining, erasing, and masking.
- Her work references ancient Mesopotamia and modern day Iraq.
- Sora grew up in Iraq during the Iran-Iraq War, Gulf Wars, trauma, insurgency, and dictatorship.
- The painting 'The Sky from Below' depicts a childhood memory of a missile strike.
- Sora describes her practice as 'flowers after a wildfire.'
- Her largest work 'Abzu' is displayed with works by Etel Adnan and John Chamberlain.
Entities
Artists
Institutions
- Asia Society Texas Center
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art
- Speed Art Museum
- Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
- Menil Collection
- Glasstire
Locations
- Houston
- United States
- Iraq
- Mesopotamia