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‘Exile’ Opening at East Austin Art Gallery
One type of Austin gallery opening has not changed much in 20 years. The crowd arrives late in casual urban wear. They head straight to the bar. Then they circulate among the works of art for a bit. After that, they clump in discrete groups to discuss. Or go outside to smoke.
Rose Saenz and Darius Alix-Williams
Used to be, most of these less formal galleries were found downtown, either near campus or along the railroad tracks. Now, almost all of them are located in East Austin. Friday, East Austin Art Gallery opened “Exile,” a thematic show that protests violence on the US-Mexican border.
Mallory Jordan and Dieter Galvan
On cue, each new pod of young guests stomped off the chill, aimed their willowy frames toward the bar — although instead of a keg or cheap wine, this time Tequila Viejo Luis had sponsored margaritas and shots. The show, produced by Marc E. Spiegel, Sophia Taylor and Sandra Sales, was pretty self-explanatory — bold poster art for the most part, but also some pieces informed by abstract expressionism.
Gladiola Campos, Eddie Moderow and Mary Reyna
I am going to admit, I had a hard time cracking the conversational barriers at this opening. Folks were open and kind once I broached a specific subject. Yet it was clear that they really wanted to re-enage their friends and colleagues. And that was fine. So out into the slippery street for the next three parties.
The sidewalk and street, by the way, in front of this East Sixth Street complex still bore a mantle of snow and ice, after most of it had melted around the city. The slosh gave the opening an extra urban twist.
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