Allston Skirt Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of “I Heart Texas,” an exhibition of thirteen contemporary artists from Texas. As a part of a series of artist-curated exhibitions, this exhibition was organized by Boston-based, Sean Horton, and will coincide with the artist’s own work in the Mini Skirt.

Horton explains: “Nothing has been more important to my development as an artist than the experience of Texas and its lineage of artists, so I wanted to take a snapshot of that experience for Boston to see.” According to Horton, Texas artists have maintained an array of positions regarding the grand fictions of Texas (often exemplified by all things country and western). Reacting against such characterizations, many Texas artists throughout the last century have become increasingly unwilling to accept regional branding in their attempts to participate in international dialogues. As a result, the products of the new, cosmopolitan Texas often overshadow those preserving the “local spice” or regional experience. This exhibition brings together the work of thirteen contemporary artists from Texas, revealing a retained sense of regionalism in the things they make.

For Horton, growing up in Texas provided the perfect combination of the sacred and the profane. On one hand was the grand tradition of storytelling and myth from his Protestant upbringing, and on the other was the legacy of American art learned by such exquisite art experiences as the Menil Collection in Houston and the legacy of Donald Judd in Marfa. Horton explains: “In my own work, I try to personify my paintings. I’ve learned over the years that I’ve spent with them that they don’t have much confidence, so I try and help them out. They belong on the wall, but they’re just a bit bashful yet.”