From immersive worlds to thought-provoking themes, a series of captivating art shows invite you to embark on eye-opening journeys this October in Austin.
At Wonderspaces, step into fantastical worlds during a month-long showcase. Get immersed in stories like “Gloomy Eyes,” a poignant VR experience narrated by Academy Award winner Colin Farrell.
Meanwhile, renowned abstract artists Larry Akers and Janet Brooks draw inspiration from color theory legend Josef Albers in their joint exhibition “Chroma+Lux” at Link & Pin; At the Dougherty Arts Center, explore nostalgia, violence, and contemporary culture through Neil Flynn’s thought-provoking assemblages in his solo exhibition “Access"; and across town, Swiss artist Simon Berger makes his Texas debut at West Chelsea Contemporary.
Cloud Tree Studios
Valerie Fowler: “Offering: A Balm in a World of Wounds” — through October 14
Experience the contemplative reveries of Valerie Fowler's latest exhibition, "Offering: A Balm in a World of Wounds," at Austin's Cloud Tree Gallery. Fowler's 17 oil paintings, including four large diptychs, offer a poignant meditation on nature's imperfect symmetries, the human body's vulnerabilities, and our fragile bond with Earth. Enter worlds both familiar and reimagined as Fowler explores themes of broken patterns, generational pain, death, rebirth, and sacrifice. Feel the raw power and delicate beauty of the mostly female forms that inhabit these winding landscapes. Let Fowler be your guide through alarming yet captivating vistas that illuminate our imperative to cherish and protect our shared home in this era of climate catastrophe.
West Chelsea Contemporary
Simon Berger: “Beauty in Destruction” — through October 15
Berger, an acclaimed Swiss artist, transforms reinforced safety glass into stunning portraits with a hammer, challenging traditional norms about glass as an artistic medium. With more than 40 new works exclusively for West Chelsea Contemporary, this exhibition marks Berger’s Texas debut. Berger's work resonates globally, as the artist has exhibited worldwide and collaborated with prestigious institutions. Through his lens, he invites viewers to perceive the world differently and discover beauty in unexpected places.
Link & Pin
Larry Akers and Janet Brooks: “Chroma+Lux: Abstractions in Color and Light” — October 5-29
Renowned artists Larry Akers and Janet Brooks invite viewers to dive into a vibrant world of color and illumination through “Chroma+Lux.” Akers' mathematically intricate sculptural designs and Brooks' visually striking abstract paintings draw inspiration from color theory visionary Josef Albers. Experience geometric patterns transformed into thought-provoking abstract artworks that engage the senses. See how light interacts with color to produce visually enthralling sculptures and paintings. Ignite your curiosity and imagination at this can't-miss showcase melding science, math and art.
Wally Workman Gallery
Sarah Ferguson: “Continuum” — October 7-29
This Austin-based artist, known for her brilliant exploration of light, color, and perception, presents a vibrant and immersive experience that encourages viewers to contemplate life, death, and the mysteries beyond through meditation and self-discovery. Each painting in the exhibition acts as a beacon, enticing viewers into a hypnotic shift where chaos morphs into geometric harmony, guiding them towards a deeper, more insightful, and healed space. Drawing inspiration from the Light and Space art movement, minimalism, hard-edge painting, and geometric abstraction, Ferguson's work promises a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition.
Wonderspaces
Fernando Maldonado and Jorge Tereso: “Gloomy Eyes” — October 8, 15, 22, and 29
Step into a world of wonder this October at Wonderspaces Austin. Journey alongside Gloomy, a zombie boy, as Colin Farrell narrates his touching 50-minute VR voyage from despair to hope in the award-winning "Gloomy Eyes." This exclusive presentation immerses viewers in an imaginative new world. Beyond this exclusive presentation, Wonderspaces hosts 17 interactive installations year-round, including "Human Study #1," where guests become the subject of robot-made portraits, and "RULES," a collaborative evolving artwork.
Virginia L. Montgomery explores native Texas luna moths.
Dougherty Arts Center
Neil Flynn: “Access” — through November 25
Flynn's work, primarily featuring new assemblage, collage, and site-specific interventions, delves deeply into themes of nostalgia, loss, violence, ownership, and aspects of contemporary Western culture. His artistic process is characterized by collecting, journaling, photographing, researching, and reacting to the rapid societal changes we face. Like any artist, Flynn is influenced by his personal experiences; he interrogates them as a "young, white, cisgender male, gay artist, arts professional, and learner/educator." The materials and imagery he employs are reflective of a restless "Americentric culture," characterized by relentless progression and a tendency to forget the past.
Women and their Work
Virginia L. Montgomery: “Eye Moon Cocoon” — through November 30
Enter a dream world of symbols and sounds in Virginia L. Montgomery's "Eye Moon Cocoon" exhibit. This multimedia journey explores native Texas luna moths, the moon, and their intricate connections, creating a space for hope and healing. Drawing on science, mythology, and ecofeminist thought, it highlights the interconnectedness of all things and challenges oppressive hierarchies. Experience synesthesia as natural and manufactured textures coexist. Embark on a thought-provoking exploration of consciousness and our shared agency in an era of climate change. This is an artistic testament to collaboration and collective healing.
Mexic-Arte Museum
Mexic-Arte Museum: "40 Years of Día de los Muertos" — through January 7, 2024
Experience the poignant beauty of honoring those we've lost at Mexic-Arte Museum's 40th annual Día de los Muertos exhibition. This year's showcase, "40 Years of Día de los Muertos," reflects on four decades of celebrating the dearly departed. Contribute a photo of a cherished loved one or admired person who has passed for the communal ofrenda. Your contribution will transform the gallery into a shared space of collective remembrance, where each photograph becomes part of a communal tapestry of stories.
