The CultureMap Interview

Austin artist Xavier Schipani is exactly who the world needs right now

If you live in Austin, chances are you know Xavier Schipani's work. (Actually, if you live in Austin, chances are you just know Xavier.) Before it shuttered, Schipani's mural on the side of Arro made driving down West Sixth Street actually compelling, while the branding he did for Irene's has turned the restaurant into one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in town.

Over the past few years, the artist has been tapped to work on projects ranging from Pease Park Conservancy to la Barbecue. His signature style is instantly recognizable, and his work examines humanity within and without the constraints of gender in sometimes funny and subversive ways.

And though known locally for his large-scale murals (in 2016 he was named Best Muralist by the Austin Chronicle), Schipani's work extends far beyond the walls of Austin. Over the past year, he has shown everywhere from Paris to Los Angeles, and has garnered a cult-like following on Instagram where the artist shares daily drawings inspired by life, gender identity, sexuality, politics, the policing of bodies, and everything in between. (His dogs, Bette Davis and Papi, also make appearances.)

There is a sense that Schipani's work is as much a calling as it is a force compelling him to create. "I feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to be honest about myself and my community which is transgender/queer," says Schipani. "I find a great deal of purpose in sharing work that it is personal so that others have the courage to do so as well."

In September, the artist traveled to New York City to share that works as part of 29Rooms, a Fashion Week pop-up hosted by Refinery29. Schipani was invited to help Transparent producer/creator Jill Soloway and production company Topple create an installation that examined gender identity. "My work is ... meant to challenge the 'norm,' but also elevate voices that are often unheard," says Schipani.

The final piece, a restroom installation/ trans-safe space created in Schipani's trademark style, beautifully captured these unheard voices — as well as the attention of the New York Times. “It’s important for people to have some visual identity to go with the conversation about gender identity,” he told the paper.

In December, audiences on the West Coast will have the opportunity to see the piece in person when 29Rooms opens in L.A. Those in New York City can catch Schipani next spring during at show at Superchief Gallery in Brooklyn. For those of us in Austin, Xavier's latest mural can be found at la Barbecue's new home in the Quickie Pickie on East Cesar Chavez.

The interview

What does success look like to you? Being able to travel, show my work, and share it with those who need to see it.

Life goal in three words: Be my best.

What was the last test you had to take: "Which Housewife are you?" (I'm Nene Leakes.)

Other than Austin, favorite city? New York City

What was your AIM screen name growing up? Wopgenius4hire

What's your comfort meal: Avgolemono, a chicken and lemon soup.

Last book you read: Black Chalk by Christopher Yates. I'm currently reading Janet Mocks' Redefining Realness.

Deep Eddy or Barton Springs: Deep Eddy

Next big thing to come out of Austin: The Central Library

What is your greatest extravagance? Martinis and caviar. Or art supplies.

What is the question you would add to this list? Do you believe in the existence of aliens?

29 Rooms will move to Los Angeles in December.

Photo by Xavier Schipani

29 Rooms will move to Los Angeles in December.

interview

New

Historic Austin museum will close for more than a year for restoration

Photo courtesy of the City of Austin

The Elisabet Ney Museum will close at the end of 2024 and reopen in mid-2026.

Every building needs some maintenance here or there, and the historic Elisabet Ney Museum needs some extra-special care. Formerly the art studio and residence of its namesake, it's been standing since 1892. It'll spend 2025 in relative solitude, as it undergoes renovation for a year and a half with no visitors allowed.

The museum will close to the public December 30, 2024, and open again in the summer of 2026 if all goes according to plan, a news release from the City of Austin shares. It'll be a quiet period compared to the 21,000 people visiting from around the world each year.

According to a museum overview on the city's website, Elisabet Ney, a European portrait sculptor, bought the property and called her new studio Formosa. She worked on sculptures depicting important Texans like Stephen F. Austin and Sam Houston, and collected works of European contemporaries.

The building at 304 East 44th St. includes 3,700 square feet of museum space, which was converted by Ney's friends after her death in 1907. It retains its unique look that juxtaposes a Neo-Classical main studio from 1892 with a later addition from 1902 including a tower for her husband, Edmund, to write in. It is also on 2.5 acres of land, which has largely been restored to its natural state with native species.

A press release lists these tasks (verbatim) within the scope of the new work, referred to as the Capital Improvement Project (CIP):

Restoration of original exterior wood doors and windows
Upgrades and replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
Replacement of the exhibit and general lighting systems
Repairs to the roof, masonry, plumbing, and interior finishes.

There will also be work to do outside of the building. Workers will replace the pedestrian bridge across Waller Creek, stabilize a 20,000-square-foot portion of the bank, and make the grounds more accessible by adding new pathways.

Funding comes from several sources, according to a release: "the 2012 Bond, Proposition 14, the Parkland Dedication Fund, the Historic Preservation Fund, Partners in Preservation through the National Trust, and contributions from the Friends of the Elisabet Ney Museum."

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