Item 05 - AUS AEDP Phase II - Artist Recs_Presentation_AC.pdf — original pdf

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Selection Process Recommendations for Phase II AUS Airport Expansion & Development Program AIPP Opportunities Arts Commission Meeting - April 21, 2025 Art In Public Places Austin-Bergstrom International Airport AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II Artist Selection Panel Recommendation Sponsoring Department: Aviation Project Budget: Total $4.7M  Midfield Concourse: $400K  Departures Ticketing: $1M  Arrivals Baggage Claim: $1M  Arrivals Curbside: $512K  Elevated Pedestrian Bridge: $540K  Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings: $416K (x3 = $1.248M) Council District: District 2 Project Manager: Alex Irrera 1 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II PROJECT BACKGROUND Commissioning bodies* sponsored an open call for Texas-based artists/artist- led teams to submit qualifications for design, fabrication, and installation consideration for large to medium-scale interdisciplinary, mixed or multimedia artworks within AUS's Airport Expansion & Development Program (AEDP). Opportunities were identified as Phase II of the AUS Arts Sites and Opportunities Plan as: • Midfield Concourse • • • • • Departures Ticketing Arrivals Baggage Claim Arrivals Curbside Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings *The City of Austin Art in Public Places program (AIPP) of the Cultural Arts Division, Economic Development Department (EDD) and Austin- Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) 2 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II SOLICITATION PROCESS: Open Call to Texas-Based Artists Evaluation Criteria • Technical skills and aesthetic appeal of past work • Relevant and applicable experience • Authenticity, creativity, and innovation of work as presented • Communication of ideas and intentions • Ability to deliver completed projects on time and within budget 3 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II SELECTION MEMBERS Voting Jesus ‘Cimi’ Alvarado, Muralist, El Paso, TX Danielle Burns Wilson, Executive Director, Project Row Houses, Houston, TX Linda LaMantia, Texas Cultural Trust Board of Directors At-Large & Artist, Laredo, TX Giovani Valderas, Assistant Professor for Painting & Drawing Texas Woman’s University & Artist, Denton, TX Non-Voting Advisory Robert Mercado, Program Manager / Architect, AUS Nick Garcia, Program Design Manager, AEDP, AUS Kristi-Anne Shaer, AIPP Panel Liaison Stephanie Lemmo, AIPP Panel Liaison 4 AUS-AIPP AEDP Phase II APPLICATION RESULTS 195 COMPLETED APPLICATIONS (68% LOCAL) SELECTION RESULTS MARCH 4, 2025 MARCH 21 & 25 + APRIL 1, 2025 Selection Panel Convened/Reviewed Eligible Completed Applications (4 hours) Selection Panel Convened/Deliberated 15 Artists Interviews (14 hours) AIPP OPPORTUNITY ESTIMATED ARTIST BUDGET RECOMMENDED ARTIST RECOMMENDED ALTERNATE Midfield Concourse Departures Ticketing Arrivals Baggage Claim Arrivals Curbside Elevated Pedestrian Bridge $400,000 $1,000,000 $1,000,000 $512,000 $540,000 Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings $416,000 per crossing Virginia L. Montgomery* Carlyn Ray Gilberto Rocha Jasmine Zelaya Steve Parker* Hillerbrand+Magsamen (2 Crossings): Anahita Bradberry* (1 Crossing): Raul Buitrago* Jose Rafael Vargas-Suarez Jasna Boudard* Brad Oldham Rakhee Jain* Kemba Opio* *Austin Artist 5 Recommended Artist: Midfield Concourse Virginia L. Montgomery – Austin TX Virginia L. Montgomery "Eye Moon Cocoon" (Immersive Multimedia Installation) 2023 Video Art, Sound Art, Lighting Design, Sculpture 30ft x 20 ft x 16ft 6 Recommended Artist: Midfield Concourse Virginia L. Montgomery – Austin TX Virginia L. Montgomery "Luna Moth Reflections" (Public Art Video Installation) 2024 Video Art, Sound Art 200ft x 50ft 7 Recommended Artist: Midfield Concourse Virginia L. Montgomery – Austin TX Virginia L. Montgomery "Moon Moth Bed" (Video Still) 2023 Video Art, Sound Art 6 minutes 8 Recommended Artist: Midfield Concourse Virginia L. Montgomery – Austin TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Virginia's video and installations is my recommendation for the midfield concourse project. The endless possibilities of her work has the power to transport audiences into a world of discovery and creativity. I chose Victoria Montgomery for the sense of serenity and safety that her work conveys. There is a strong connection to nature, and I believe she truly engages with the idea of creating site- specific installations. Additionally, her work functions as an effective teaching tool. This artist presented such an original and interesting proposal. Upon listening to her interview, I feel confident that she will complete an installation that will intrigue the public as they pass through AUS. 9 Recommended Alternate: Midfield Concourse Carlyn Ray (Glassblower) – Dallas TX Glassblower "The Science of Law" 2024 Glass 20ft x 8ft x 8ft 10 Recommended Alternate: Midfield Concourse Carlyn Ray (Glassblower) – Dallas TX Glassblower "Glassy Water" 2014 Glass 12ft x 8ft x 6ft 11 Recommended Alternate: Midfield Concourse Carlyn Ray (Glassblower) – Dallas TX Glassblower "Wispy Trails" 2022 Glass 30ft x 30ft x 6ft 12 Recommended Alternate: Midfield Concourse Carlyn Ray (Glassblower) – Dallas TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS This team has experience both in the arts and aviation engineering. They have a good track record of delivering projects on time and can create sustainable low maintenance work. Carlyn Ray's work is intriguing, showcasing her capability and skill in her craft. Her glassblowing technique is particularly fascinating and I think her community engagement work is good. She presents herself as a strong alternative. I was so intrigued with this artist’s interview and her ability to produce public works in conjunction with the public’s vision. I like her work, her approach, and her thoughtfulness. 13 Recommended Artist: Departures Ticketing Gilberto Rocha – Laredo TX Gilberto Rocha "YA MERO" 2024 Found Objects Approx. 8X8X12 ft. 14 Recommended Artist: Departures Ticketing Gilberto Rocha – Laredo TX Gilberto Rocha "REST" 2024 Found Objects 35 X 46 in. 15 Recommended Artist: Departures Ticketing Gilberto Rocha – Laredo TX Gilberto Rocha "Florero, Deseos y Recuerdos (Flower Vase, Wishes & Memories)" Acrylic, Ink, & Color Pencils on Paper 8 X 11 in. 2025 16 Recommended Artist: Departures Ticketing Gilberto Rocha – Laredo TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Gil's art is so different from what we've been presented in this process. His explanation of his borderland culture where people are in constant transit has had an interesting impact on his art. He creates much of his art from trash or "found objects." He chooses to re-use, re-cycle and that is so Austin. He incorporates music in his art. Again, so Austin. [He also] wants to collaborate with [artists] from Austin in his project. Gilbert's installations made with found objects are more than intriguing. I was impressed with his themes of migration and the narratives of border culture. I liked his proposal to create a lesson plan that could be used as an educational component for the community. Gilberto has an incredible talent for utilizing found objects in his art. I appreciate how he offers a fresh perspective that sets his work apart. His ability to reinvent materials adds depth to his artistic vision. 17 Recommended Alternate: Departures Ticketing Jose Rafael Vargas-Suarez (Vargas-Suarez Universal) Houston TX Vargas-Suarez Universal "Terra Matrix" 2024 Site-specific mural composed of 1785 hand painted, water jet cut, ceramic mosaic tiles 9.5 ft x 30 ft 18 Recommended Alternate: Departures Ticketing – Jose Rafael Vargas-Suarez (Vargas-Suarez Universal) Houston TX Vargas-Suarez Universal "Gravity Vectors" 2023 Thermal insulation, aluminum, xps foam, steel cable 18 meters x 15 meters x 12 meters 19 Recommended Alternate: Departures Ticketing – Jose Rafael Vargas-Suarez (Vargas-Suarez Universal) Houston TX Vargas-Suarez Universal "Assembly Complex" 2016 silk dyes, archival pigments, embroidery, wood, on synthetic and natural silk, wall 14 x 92 20 Recommended Alternate: Departures Ticketing – Jose Rafael Vargas-Suarez (Vargas-Suarez Universal) Houston TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Jose Rafael is a professional when it comes to public art, no doubt. He understands the process, the sites, the public spaces. I liked that he wanted to engage the staff at the airport that will see the art on a daily basis, not just the passengers passing by. He has a very varied body of work. I found Suarez's work fitting due to his connection to spaceflight and the research that he has done for his body of work at many space centers in the world… The artist has extensive experience working on large-scale projects… I appreciated his insights into how his work intersects with science… 21 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Baggage Claim Jasmine Zelaya – Houston TX Jasmine Zelaya "Twins" 2018 Vinyl Affixed on the Façade of 901 Main Street in downtown Houston’s Main Street Square 40 ft x 60 ft 22 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Baggage Claim Jasmine Zelaya – Houston TX Jasmine Zelaya "Our Systems Are Failing Us" 2020 Vinyl Streamers, Staples, Particle Board, Enamel, Spray Paint, Graphite and Acrylic on the House Exterior of 2515 Holman Dimensions Vary 23 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Baggage Claim Jasmine Zelaya – Houston TX Jasmine Zelaya "Flower Face Room" 2024 Enamel on Drywall, Sealed Vinyl, Sound Components, Lighting 55.5’ x 11’ x 10’ 24 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Baggage Claim Jasmine Zelaya – Houston TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Jasmine's portraits are impressive. The symbolism in her work drawn from person experience is representative of many communities that have had to deal with issues of cultural identity and assimilation. Jasmine Zelaya’s innovative approach to portraiture is refreshing. Through her vibrant murals and installations, she creates spaces for dialogue and reflection on topics such as identity and resilience. Her work not only beautifies environments but also empowers marginalized voices, making a significant impact in her community. Jasmine's art is very unique, not something seen often, especially in Austin. I like that she wants to use her current style and do a mosaic. 25 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Baggage Claim Jasna Boudard – Austin TX Jasna Boudard "Invisible Energies" 2018 Video projections Dimensions Undefined 26 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Baggage Claim Jasna Boudard – Austin TX Jasna Boudard "Celestial Frost" 2023 Video projection on screens Dimensions Undefined 27 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Baggage Claim – Jasna Boudard – Austin TX Jasna Boudard "Melting Mirrors" 2023 Projection arts, custom frame system with netting. Dimensions Undefined 28 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Baggage Claim Jasna Boudard – Austin TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Jasna's work can immerse audiences through the unique way that she layers her video projections. Her use of motion tracking is a great way to engage the viewer and adds an additional layer of interactivity to her installations. I appreciate Jasna's approach to curiosity and playfulness in her work, as well as how it has evolved through her camera-based projects. While she may have limited experience with large- scale projects, she remains a strong alternate. Her art is very unique... I like her vision of movement and light, personal yet universal. 29 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Curbside Steve Parker – Austin TX Steve Parker "Invisible Music" 2024 Brass, nautical plywood, housepaint, electronics, sound. 15 ft x 100 ft x 50 ft 30 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Curbside Steve Parker – Austin TX "Sonic Meditation for Solo Performer" Steve Parker 2022 Salvaged brass, electronics, astroturf, EEG brain monitor, video projection 15 ft x 25 ft x 40 ft 31 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Curbside Steve Parker – Austin TX Steve Parker "Fanfare" 2024 Steel, copper, brass 18 ft x 6 ft x 6 ft 32 Recommended Artist: Arrivals Curbside Steve Parker – Austin TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Steve Parker's work is immersive and shows his commitment to have community interaction. His work invites the public to be part of the art pieces that he creates. His experience as a musician is a plus. Steven Parker’s work frequently delves into the blend of technology and traditional art forms, resulting in dynamic installations that push the boundaries of viewers’ perceptions. He is a musician, and I particularly like his incorporation of instruments into his pieces. He employs various mediums, especially sound, which really enhances the immersive experience for the audience. I am so intrigued and excited about this artist’s body of work. His sculptures are joyful, original, fun. His ability to combine sound with the sculptures takes it to another level. And they’re interactive! His insights to Austin were so spot on, including all of the smallest details and nuances. I’m excited to see what he creates for AUS. 33 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Curbside Brad Oldham – Dallas TX Brad Oldham Sculpture "Cloud Trees" 2024 316L mirror-polished stainless steel, bronze, internal LED lighting 26 ft x 42 ft x 30 ft 34 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Curbside Brad Oldham – Dallas TX Brad Oldham Sculpture "Buddy Holly Donor Pick Wall" 2020 Aluminum 30 ft x 120 ft x 6 in 35 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Curbside Brad Oldham – Dallas TX Brad Oldham Sculpture "Bloom Where You're Planted" 2023 Stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, automotive paints, and LED lights 20 ft x 13 ft x 13 ft 36 Recommended Alternate: Arrivals Curbside Brad Oldham – Dallas TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Brad Oldham Sculpture shows passion to create artwork in public places. The sculptures are committed to community engagement. The work is approachable and often has a story to tell. This team is very professional and seasoned. Obvious they can handle a project of this scope. I was impressed with their work and more so after hearing their explanations of the meaning and inspiration for their works. Brad Odham has experience with public art and is skilled in budget management. 37 Recommended Artist: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Hillerbrand+Magsamen – Houston TX Hillerbrand+Magsamen "Higher Ground" 2016 Multiple [media] Dimensions Undefined 38 Recommended Artist: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Hillerbrand+Magsamen – Houston TX Hillerbrand+Magsamen "Baking Soda" 2024 Multi-disciplinary Dimensions Undefined 39 Recommended Artist: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Hillerbrand+Magsamen – Houston TX Hillerbrand+Magsamen "147 Devices for Integrated Principles" 2019 Video, photography, installation, performance, online, book Dimensions Undefined 40 Recommended Artist: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Hillerbrand+Magsamen – Houston TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Artist recommended because work submitted shows potential for experiential story telling and/or showcasing history in this transitional space. Artist appears to work well with existing structures when necessary and could create connection from main building to/from traffic areas. The artist demonstrates a distinctive approach to material usage, crafting captivating installations that invite curiosity and engagement. Love the way they use found objects. 41 Recommended Alternate: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Rakhee Jain – Austin TX Rakhee Jain "Folding Stories with Community Engagement" 2022 Polyester, Embroidery Polyester Thread, Aluminum, Walnut Wood, 3D printed aluminum nylon composite nodes 14 x 9 x 8 42 Recommended Alternate: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Rakhee Jain – Austin TX Rakhee Jain "Folding Stories with Community Engagement" 2022 Polyester, Embroidery Polyester Thread, Aluminum, Walnut Wood, 3D printed aluminum nylon composite nodes 14 x 9 x 8 43 Recommended Alternate: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Rakhee Jain – Austin TX Rakhee Jain "Harmonic Strings" 2023 Sandblasted and Oxidized Steel Plates, ¼ inch Steel Tubes, ¾ inch Steel Pipes, Galvanized Embed Plates, Concrete, Direct To Metal Paint 12 ft x 6 ft x 10 ft 44 Recommended Alternate: Elevated Pedestrian Bridge Rakhee Jain – Austin TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Artist recommended because submissions of work illicit a sense of identity of place and create colorful transition spaces. Work also has potential impact to further develop sense of place or cultural identity, while offering interactive, play space for passengers entering/exiting the airport. The artist exhibits a remarkable ability to utilize materials in unexpected ways, creating dynamic installations that seamlessly adapt to their surroundings. I love her multi- cultural representation in her work. 45 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x2) – Anahita Bradberry – Austin TX Anahita Bradberry "Sun Poem" 2024 Argon, aluminum, voile fabric, sunlight, wood, glass, wire, transformers 12 ft x 40 ft x 150 ft 46 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x2) – Anahita Bradberry – Austin TX Anahita Bradberry "Sunpath" 2023 Argon, glass, electrodes, silicone caps, wire, transformer 60 in x 28 in x 3 in 47 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x2) – Anahita Bradberry – Austin TX Anahita Bradberry "Nightlife" 2022 Argon, glass, mirrored acrylic, transformer, wire, rubber caps. 32 in x 16 ft x 4 in 48 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x2) – Anahita Bradberry – Austin TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS I love that Ani sees Austin as world-renowned: art, music, nature, a holy refuge with cultural and ecological history. She was very thoughtful in her approach, is very qualified, has extensive experience in working with architects, in art history, and is strong on Austin. Anahita's plasma light installations are a dance of color. Her experience in architecture, urban landscape, and landscape is an asset for her public work. I liked that she aims to integrate her audience as participant in her artwork. Anahita's method for engaging with the public was impressive. With her background in architecture, she has a strong grasp of spatial dynamics. I found her insights into how space influences interaction particularly engaging. 49 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x1) – Raul Buitrago – Austin TX Raul Buitrago "NORM" 2024 Vinyl 22 ft x 45 ft 50 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x1) – Raul Buitrago – Austin TX Raul Buitrago “Year Of The Rabbit” 2024 Archival footage Dimensions Undefined 51 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x1) – Raul Buitrago – Austin TX Raul Buitrago “Raul Buitrago, Director's Reel” (excerpt) 2020 Digital Video Dimensions Undefined 52 Recommended Artist: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings (x1) – Raul Buitrago – Austin TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Raul gave a very good interview. He told his story well. Although he has less experience in public art, his views on wanting to positively impact tired passengers, stressed parents, anxious passengers were impressive as was his photo collage of kids and travels. He had a lot of good questions as to the process of what's next and timeline. The artist conceptualizes the airport as a portal to family, aiming to recreate similar atmospheres through sound art. Deeply immersed in the music scene, their work reflects the authentic spirit of Austin. They are particularly interested in the amphoral quality of sound installations, exploring how sound can encapsulate and evoke a sense of place and memory. I liked that Raul focuses his work to represent people often overlooked by the mainstream. He is great at merging image, light and music. I enjoyed how [he] told a story through his presentation while including music and videos. 53 Recommended Alternate: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings – Kemba Opio – Austin TX Kemba Opio “To Be Together” 2023 CNC-Cut Painted Aluminum & Mirror Polished Stainless Steel Sheets Dimensions Vary 54 Recommended Alternate: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings – Kemba Opio – Austin TX Kemba Opio “A Contemplation On Peace” 2023 CNC Cut Stainless Steel & Paint On "S" Curved Concrete Wall 6 ft x 8 in x 29 ft 55 Recommended Alternate: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings – Kemba Opio – Austin TX Kemba Opio “Community House Mental Health Agency” 2020 Stainless Steel Laser Cut Panels & Eco-Based Mineral Paint On Concrete and Wood Siding. Dimensions Vary 56 Recommended Alternate: Lower-Level Pedestrian Crossings – Kemba Opio – Austin TX SELECTION PANELIST COMMENTS Kemba is very research-oriented and capable as she showed in her presentation. I liked her comment that her art is present day but for the future. She is very thoughtful about the upkeep of her installation and I liked that she used recycled cans, engages with the community, and involves others so as to balance her art with expectations of others. One of my favorite things that I heard from Kemba’s presentation is that "her work focuses not only on history but present day and for the future". It is also admirable that she continues to experiment with new textiles and applications. Kemba’s process was intriguing, and I enjoyed learning about it. Her emphasis on work conservation highlights a thoughtful, research-driven approach. I appreciated the depth of her insights. 57