3rd Visit

On Saturday, my fiance and I decided to spend our day at the beautiful Umlauf Sculpture Garden located in the heart of Austin. The weather was just perfect for a relaxing and leisurely stroll through a park that is adorned with stunning sculptures, each one of them a masterpiece created by the talented Charles Umlauf. This park, which was generously gifted to the city in 1985, is a testament to the artistic and architectural prowess of the city. Landscape architect Aan Coleman was the mastermind behind the design of the Garden, bringing to life a space that beautifully marries nature and art. Additionally, the internationally acclaimed architect Lawrence Speck was responsible for designing the Umlauf's gallery and terrace, which were unveiled to the public in 1991. I had visited this tranquil oasis once before, and it's hard to believe that such a peaceful place exists so close to the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin. The park also hosts a variety of events such as Family Day, yoga, and tai chi, offering a truly awe-inspiring and rejuvenating retreat for city-dwellers. It's a place that I love visiting and would highly recommend to anyone seeking a respite from the downtown hustle and bustle.










Entering the sculpture garden, you're greeted by the sight of a carefully curated gallery. This space is designated as a revolving area dedicated to showcasing the work of various artists, injecting a dynamic and ever-changing energy into the garden. Currently, the gallery is playing host to the mesmerizing work of James Surls, specifically his piece "Fourteen Flowers". Suspended in the air with an ethereal aura, this complex sculpture is surrounded by a collection of Surls' paintings, creating a harmonious visual environment.

"Fourteen Flowers", a masterpiece created in 2002 by Surls, hangs in a delicate balance. It is an blend of Poplar and Pine, with elements of painted steel intermingled, resulting in a sculpture that measures an impressive 246” x 246” x 66”. The sheer size of the sculpture commands attention and exudes a sense of power that is difficult to ignore. I found myself arrested by its magnitude, standing and staring at this behemoth piece of art for an extended period of time.



The choice made by the garden to hang this particular sculpture in the gallery was, in my opinion, an incredibly wise decision. It serves as a captivating focal point, drawing in the gaze of anyone who steps into the gallery. The sculpture not only dominates the space physically, but also thematically. It invokes a sense of intrigue and contemplation, and I found myself thoroughly enjoying the experience of observing it.



When you exit the interior of the gallery, a welcome embrace of nature awaits as you begin your journey through the expansive green park. The park, adorned with a multitude of beautiful and thought-provoking sculptures, invites you to stroll leisurely along its winding paths. Each turn reveals a new view, a blending of art and nature that captivates you, encouraging contemplation and appreciation of the serene environment around you.



This piece of art is a bronze sculpture titled "Lazarus, 1950", crafted by the esteemed artist, Umlauf. Umlauf has a fascinating tendency to exhibit the female form in a significant portion of his work, much like many artists throughout history. However, in this particular sculpture, it was the representation of the male form that was especially striking and aesthetic. The interplay of light and shadow on the bronze curves of the male form created an enchanting spectacle. Umlauf's art often involves religious themes, and this piece, Lazarus, is no exception. The name and the sculpture itself draw upon biblical narratives, adding another layer of depth and intrigue to an already captivating piece of art.



The bronze sculpture pictured above, created in 1945, is titled "Refugees II". Umlauf, is well-known for producing a significant body of work that draws heavily from the experiences of World War II. Umlauf himself had a deeply personal connection to the war, as his family was displaced due to the authoritarian rule of Germany during that time he had to go as far to change his name from ‘Karl” to “Charles” to blend in. This sculpture is particularly poignant as it depicts a mother, hunched over in sorrow, cradling her child. The striking physicality of the piece, the mother's posture, and the intimate interaction between mother and child all serve to communicate a profound sense of sadness. Moreover, the process of oxidization that the sculpture has undergone since its creation further intensifies its melancholic tone, adding a layer of grit and time-worn texture to the piece. This visual transformation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the sculpture but also metaphorically reinforces the themes of hardship and endurance that are central to its narrative.




Located amidst the water and lush greenery, a sculpture stands out, known as 'The Kiss.' Crafted by Umlauf in 1970, this bronze work of art is a nod to the revered Rodin's style. The enchanting sculpture, given the solitude and reverence it rightfully deserves, marks the heart of the park. The beauty of the piece is accentuated by the gentle sunlight that dances on its outer edges, enhancing the overall visual experience. When the timeless allure of art combines with the serene ambiance of nature, it creates a unique feeling of tranquility and peace, unmatched by any other experience. This sense of serenity, the blend of artistic beauty and natural splendor, is a feeling I seek out regularly, and it never fails to leave me in awe.



As we walked through the verdant landscape of the park, we took the time to pause and engage in thoughtful discussion about each unique sculpture that we encountered. Each piece was a marvel in its own right, embodying the skill and creativity of the artist who had been able to carve such intricate designs into the unforgiving material of bronze.

In the midst of this artistic journey, we arrived at my favorite piece: a sculpture known as 'Ballerina'. Created in 1977, this bronze beauty stands tall and proud, perched en pointe amidst the natural backdrop provided by the surrounding trees. Observing the sculpture, I was struck by the grace and movement that the artist had managed to encapsulate in such a rigid medium.

It's truly unbelievable to me how he was able to infuse such dynamism and flow into something as harsh and unyielding as bronze. The sculpture is a perfect illustration of the delicate balance between strength and gentility, with the traditional femininity of the ballerina juxtaposed against the masculine element of the metal. This contrast is what draws me to this piece, and why it holds a special place in my heart.

We took our final look around the garden grateful we live in a place where this exists. The day at the Umlauf was nothing less than enchanting. The tranquility of the park all merged into a deeply satisfying and joy-filled experience. It was a day of exploration, awe, and, above all, an homage to art in its most raw and beautiful form. Every visit to this garden stirs a sense of wonder and excitement within me and deepens my respect for the transformative power of art.