Cultural Affairs Office

Press and Communications

March 6, 2023 -- The Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) opens a new exhibition in the City Hall Rotunda that celebrates the expression of mythology.

Titled “____As Myth,” the exhibit is a community-driven response to mythology and culture.

“I am proud of the many achievements D.E.E.P has done since her selection as the third Houston Poet Laureate in 2017,” says Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Her work in the community during her tenure with the Emerge video series, with Houston icon Lauren Anderson’s story, and now this exhibit hosted at City Hall in conjunction with her new book is inspiring.”

Expressions! as the overarching theme for this year’s exhibitions opens many avenues for exploring the subject. This new exhibition, “___As Myth,” focuses on the expression of the mysticism of every day and launches audiences into conversations about their own truths and representations in mainstream literature.

“_____ As Myth” is a vehicle for patrons and community alike to fill in the gaps of mythology with modern commentary on the everyday and was developed with the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning at Rice University. Inspired by stories crafted with Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, and her upcoming memoir Black Chameleon, artists reimagine southern colloquialisms and family phrases into two-dimensional art.

Since developed here in Houston with Houston citizens and artists, City Hall serves as the perfect exhibition space to continue the conversation around representing Houstonians in today’s literary and artistic canon. In addition, with Houston artists at its center, it displays the creativity, expression, and ingenuity that Houston births every day.

“_____As Myth” is on view in City Hall’s Rotunda from March 6th to April 14th, from 9 AM to 5 PM. Join Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton on March 8th from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon at the City Hall Rotunda for a book reading and signing.