Conceived by Ellsworth Kelly, one of the world’s most renowned artists, Austin is a freestanding vessel, containing fifteen artworks. The structure is not to be conceived as a building, but as a work of art in itself.
Since 2005, The University of Texas at Austin has been pursuing the goal of interspersing important works of art throughout the campus in a range of public spaces where, as part of their daily campus life, students can be exposed to art by important, thought-provoking artists. Ellsworth Kelly, an artist whose work is represented in leading museums around the world, proposed Austin to be installed adjacent to the Blanton Museum of Art.
This vessel has become a satellite of the museum, relying on many of the support spaces and functions that the museum already provides, such as restrooms and security. Although the enclosure is fairly small, Overland’s experience working in close collaboration with other leading artists was critical to faithfully execute the artist’s design and vision for the vessel.
In Association with ARUP
Photography by Casey Dunn