The Replica
The Heavy Burden of Love
The opening reception of, “The Heavy Burden of Love - An exploration of what love leaves behind - both its burden and beauty on Houston’s Love Lock Bridges”, went off quite smoothly. However, the heavy rains in the Houston area that evening may have hinderd some from attending. I am happy to let the reader know that the exhibit will be on display until May 10th 2025 at Sabine Street Studios, 1907 Sabine Street, Houston TX, 77007. After that date I hope to continue the process of collecting these locks which I feel are a part of Houston and the World’s pop-culture. No language or translator needed for these symbols.
The exhibit consists of a tiny replica of the Love Lock Fence which spans Allen Parkway here in Houston, one of three love lock bridges on the west side of downtown. The entire concept flows like a narrative. You begin at the fence and work your way to the right where you will see photos and what I call “title cards”, which describe how the entire project came to be. The narrative ends with a large canvas print of a young couple embraced in a kiss, pictured below. Hopefully the story behind every love lock continues in the fashion.
This a real picture I shot for another project. During a break in the shooting, I asked them to kiss for the hell of it and this is the product. I love this picture so much that I decided to include in The Heavy Burden of Love. It will always be a part of this project.
The Replica
As you can see in the picture below, The Replica is constructed from real fencing procured from vacant lots across Houston and three pieces of 2x4 purchased from a hardware store. At the last minute I decided to use the actual fence as the guest book! Sharpie pens were passed out and guests were encouraged to sign the plywood portion of the fence. A few attendees did just that but others signed their favorite locks!!!! I was very excited that “guestbook signing process” took on a life of its own! As an added attraction I had brand new locks for those lovers, who on whim, might add their lock to The Replica. And they did!
Therefore, over the next month I will let the exhibit take on the life that its visitors breathe into it! I hope you are one of them. If you would like a tour of the exhibit by yours truly, contact me at cpinon@cpmediastudios.com. This tour will include refreshments.
March 30, 2025