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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• United CEO defends loyalty programs.

• Texas football awakens under Sarkisian.

• A deep dive into the life of Albert Pinkham Ryder.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"I would rather die of passion than of boredom."

— Vincent van Gogh

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Trivia

Houston's "Tunnel System" is a network of underground walkways connecting buildings. How many miles does it span?

A) 2 miles

B) 6 miles

C) 7.5 miles

D) 10 miles

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Houston bayou that underwent a transformation into a green space is A) Buffalo Bayou.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby says hands off airline loyalty programs. (link)

BP to sell US onshore wind business, focus on Lightsource BP for renewables. (link)

🏒 Sports

The sleeping giant of Texas football is wide awake thanks to Steve Sarkisian. (link)

Astros insider: Grae Kessinger's game-ending play punctuates a rollicking win. (link)

🏦 Finance

Ara Partners gains $725 million commitment for new decarbonization investment strategy. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

⚽ Houston Cougars Football vs. Iowa State Cyclones Football
TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
Sat • Sep 28 | Time varies | (More info)

🏉 Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Sun • Sep 29 • 12:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 CARRTOONS
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Thu • Sep 26 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Dr. Fresch
Stereo Live - Houston, Houston, TX
Fri • Sep 27 • 10:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Special Kids, Inc. Back to School Family Fun Day
15108 Cullen Blvd, Houston, TX
Saturday, September 28 • 2:00 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Houston with an art district where the buildings are canvases for digital art” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1979: The Houston Oilers reach the AFC Championship.

In 1979, the Houston Oilers reached the AFC Championship, marking a significant moment in the city's sports history. Led by legendary running back Earl Campbell and coach Bum Phillips, the Oilers had a remarkable season, capturing the hearts of Houston fans with their tenacity and skill. The team's success brought the city together, creating a sense of pride and excitement as the Oilers advanced deep into the playoffs.

The Oilers' journey to the AFC Championship included a memorable victory in the divisional round, where they defeated the San Diego Chargers in a thrilling game that showcased the team's resilience and determination. Although the Oilers ultimately fell short in the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, their performance that season solidified their place as one of the top teams in the NFL. The Oilers' slogan, "Luv Ya Blue," became a rallying cry for fans, symbolizing the strong bond between the team and the city.

The 1979 season left a lasting impact on Houston's sports culture, fostering a passionate fan base that continued to support the Oilers through the years. The team's success during this period also contributed to the growing popularity of professional football in Houston and helped to establish the city as a major player in the world of sports. While the Oilers eventually relocated to Tennessee, their legacy in Houston remains cherished by those who remember the excitement and unity they brought to the city during the late 1970s.

Famous People From Houston

Albert Pinkham Ryder (1847–1917): Painter known for his symbolic, mystical works.

Early Life and Artistic Development (1847–1870)

Albert Pinkham Ryder was born on March 19, 1847, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, a bustling whaling port that influenced his early fascination with the sea and the natural world. From a young age, Ryder showed an interest in art, often sketching scenes of ships and the ocean. His family moved to New York City in 1867, where Ryder enrolled in the National Academy of Design, beginning his formal artistic training. During this period, he developed a deep appreciation for the works of the old masters, whose techniques and themes would later influence his own unique style. Ryder's early works were characterized by a traditional approach, but he soon began to explore more imaginative and symbolic subjects.

Emergence as a Symbolist Painter (1871–1885)

In the 1870s, Albert Pinkham Ryder began to develop the distinctive style for which he would later become famous. He moved away from traditional realism, instead focusing on symbolic and mystical themes that reflected his inner visions and emotions. His paintings from this period often depicted scenes from literature, mythology, and the Bible, infused with a dreamlike quality that set them apart from the work of his contemporaries. Ryder's use of dark, rich colors and his innovative layering techniques gave his paintings a textured, almost three-dimensional quality. Works like "The Race Track (Death on a Pale Horse)" and "The Flying Dutchman" exemplify his ability to evoke emotion and mystery through his art.

Connection to New York City and Artistic Circles (1886–1900)

New York City was central to Albert Pinkham Ryder's career and artistic development. Living in Greenwich Village, Ryder became part of the city's vibrant artistic community, associating with prominent artists and writers of the time. Despite his reclusive nature, he was well-respected and admired by his peers, who recognized the originality and depth of his work. Ryder exhibited his paintings at various galleries and institutions in New York, including the National Academy of Design and the Society of American Artists. His connection to the city also influenced his work, as the urban environment and intellectual atmosphere of New York provided inspiration for his symbolic and mystical themes.

Later Life and Decline in Productivity (1901–1917)

As Ryder aged, his health began to decline, and his productivity as an artist slowed considerably. He became increasingly reclusive, rarely leaving his studio and often spending years reworking the same paintings. Ryder's perfectionism and unorthodox methods, such as layering thick glazes of paint over long periods, contributed to the deterioration of some of his works, which began to show signs of cracking and discoloration even during his lifetime. Despite these challenges, Ryder remained dedicated to his art, continuing to explore the themes that had defined his career. His later works, though fewer in number, retained the same intensity and emotional depth as his earlier pieces.

Legacy and Posthumous Recognition (1918–Present)

Albert Pinkham Ryder passed away on March 28, 1917, in New York City, leaving behind a relatively small but profoundly influential body of work. Although he was not widely known to the general public during his lifetime, Ryder's work was highly regarded by fellow artists and critics, and his influence grew significantly after his death. His approach to painting, characterized by its emotional intensity and symbolic content, foreshadowed the modernist movements that would emerge in the 20th century. Ryder's work has been the subject of numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, and his paintings are held in major museums across the United States, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

Influence on Modern Art (1920s–Present)

Ryder's work had a significant impact on the development of modern art, particularly among the early American modernists. Artists such as Marsden Hartley, Jackson Pollock, and Mark Rothko admired Ryder's innovative use of color, texture, and symbolism, and his work influenced their own explorations of abstract and expressive forms. Ryder's focus on the inner world of emotion and imagination, rather than on external reality, resonated with the modernist ethos and helped to pave the way for later developments in abstract and expressionist art. His legacy as a precursor to modernism continues to be recognized and celebrated in the art world.

Key Achievements:

• Developed a distinctive style characterized by symbolic and mystical themes, rich textures, and innovative techniques, which set him apart from his contemporaries.

• Played a significant role in the New York art scene, influencing the early American modernists with his imaginative and emotionally charged works.

• Left a lasting legacy in the art world, with his paintings held in major museums and his influence recognized in the development of modern and abstract art.

Summary:

Albert Pinkham Ryder’s journey from a young artist in Massachusetts to a revered figure in the New York art scene reflects his extraordinary creativity and dedication to his craft. His connection to New York was central to his career, providing the environment in which he developed his unique style and contributed to the broader art community. Ryder’s legacy as a pioneering symbolist painter continues to inspire, ensuring his place as one of the most important figures in the history of American art. His works remain a testament to the power of imagination and emotion in the creative process.

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-Matthew Larsen

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