November 7 - January 7, 2024
From the organizers:
“The Loren Hotel Austin is pleased to announce the exhibition “SUSSURRI.” It will run from Nov. 7, 2024, to Jan. 7, 2025, in the historic Paggi House. This innovative art exhibition, featuring works by Mary Ellen Carroll, Andy Coolquitt and Phoebe Lickwar, explores the concept of infrastructure within both the built environment and nature.
Through painting, sculpture and photography, the artists will highlight materiality and its implied ability to perform, leading to a sound or effect known as “sussurri.” The translation into Greek appears as “psythis,” and is the effect as in the sound of the wind blowing through trees, as a whisper. This sound is also described as existing between noise and music, symbolizing the space between disquiet and composure, improvisation and composition and chaos and cultivation. In relation to the climate emergency, it is the initiation of acts and materials of consequence and their ability to adapt or be adapted to the present.
“‘SUSSURRI.’ is a compelling exploration of how art can reflect the intricate connections between our built environment and the natural world,” says Penny Liebman Aaron, cultural advisor for Paggi House. “Through the unique perspectives of these talented artists, we invite viewers to engage deeply with the themes of sound, emotion and sustainability that resonate throughout the exhibition.”
“Works of art have consequences, and ‘SUSSURRI.’ in Austin’s historic Paggi House surrounds the works and their material form and their ability to adapt or be adapted within the climate emergency,” says Carroll.
Mary Ellen Carroll is a New York-based conceptual artist whose multidisciplinary work spans architecture, art, public policy and technology. With over four decades of experience, Carroll’s projects interrogate the intersections of subjectivity, language and power. She has received numerous accolades, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Prix de Rome Fellowship.
A major museum survey exhibition of Carroll’s work will open in October 2025 at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston, curated by Rebecca Matalon.
Andy Coolquitt is an Austin-based artist known for creating environments that foster interaction and community. Coolquitt’s work often incorporates objects salvaged from the street, exploring the practice of everyday life and depreciation through use. His most widely recognized work, “Andy’s Place,” serves as a multifaceted performance, studio and domestic space for the artist and hundreds of other artists.
Austin-based landscape architect and photographer Phoebe Lickwar focuses on agroecology and climate resilience. As the founding principal of FORGE Landscape Architecture and an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin, her work explores innovative farming practices and their integration with community and ecological well-being.
Curated by Ruth Noack, an internationally recognized art historian, curator, writer and educator, “SUSSURRI.” will also feature an accompanying essay. Noack’s esteemed career includes curating “documenta 12” and serving as executive director of The Corner at Whitman-Walker in Washington, D.C.
The “SUSSURRI.” exhibition will be accompanied by a series of events, offering multiple opportunities for engagement with the artworks and ideas presented:
Nov. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.: “In Conversation: Mary Ellen Carroll with Ruth Noack” at Visual Arts Center at the University of Texas at Austin. RSVP required: https://utvac.typeform.com/InConMEC-RN
Nov. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.: “Meet the Artists” panel moderated by Ruth Noack with Mary Ellen Carroll, Andy Coolquitt and Phoebe Lickwar
Nov. 9-10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: West Austin Studio Tour open gallery hours hosted by Penny Aaron
To book an appointment outside of event hours, guests can reach out to [email protected].
The Loren Hotel has reimagined the historic Paggi House at 200 Lee Barton Drive as a vibrant gallery and event space. Since its reopening in March, the venue has featured exhibitions such as “Explorers,” showcasing the diverse talents of artists like Matthew Ritchie, Alteronce Gumby and Rodney McMillian, and “Floating Through the Metaverse,” which included innovative works by Simon Denny, Chris Dorland and Luke Murphy. Currently on view until Oct. 27 are solo exhibitions by acclaimed Austin artists Susan Scafati and Stephanie Duprie Routh, exploring themes of nature and beauty. Paggi House at The Loren is now open for private paid events, as well. For booking inquiries or more information, interested parties can contact [email protected].
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ABOUT THE LOREN:
The Loren Hotel Austin features 108 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, all with lake and city views. The hotel welcomes guests to a greenhouse in the park, complete with destination restaurant Nido, milk + honey spa, 24-7 access fitness center, Cafe, rooftop terrace with infinity pool and signature event space with 180-degree views. The hotel was recently awarded two highly-esteemed travel accolades after being included in both Conde Nast Traveler’s and Travel + Leisure’s 2023 List of Best New Hotels in the World. Ideally located in close proximity to downtown Austin, guests can easily explore the city via the pedestrian bridge across the street from the hotel or complimentary e-bikes available upon request. The Loren Hotel Austin joins the brand’s flagship property, The Loren at Pink Beach in Bermuda, which opened in 2017. For more information, please visit https://www.thelorenhotels.com/austin/experiences/offers.”
Reception: November 8, 2024 | 6–8 pm
Meet the Artists
Reception: November 9, 2024 | 11 am – 3 pm
West Austin Studio Tour open gallery hours hosted by Penny Aaron
200 Lee Barton Drive
Austin, 78704 Texas
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