My Second Visit

On my second excursion, I ventured out to an art gallery nestled in the East Side of Austin. It's no secret that Austin harbors an abundance of intimate, small-scale art galleries, each with its own distinctive exhibitions. One that particularly piqued my interest was Lydia Street Gallery.

Lydia Street Gallery, which opened its doors to the public in 2021, is a petite yet inviting gallery operated by Deanna Miesch. Miesch, apart from being an esteemed gallery owner, is a lifelong resident of Austin and also practices as an art therapist. We engaged in a lengthy conversation about the vibrant art scene in Austin and she shared her experiences working under some notable artists, such as the much-loved Daniel Johnston.

The gallery itself exudes a certain charm with its limited space, currently showcasing one featured artist. Venturing through to the back room, you are greeted with an eclectic inventory of sculptures, paintings, and photographs, casually scattered around in a somewhat disorderly yet endearing fashion.

                                                       

Among the many intriguing pieces, the work of Melanie Hickerson, a lifelong Austin artist, stood out. Hickerson's surreal paintings captivated me instantly. I found myself spending a significant amount of time absorbed in her self-portrait. The vibrant colors and expressive brush strokes were truly mesmerizing. As I delved deeper into Hickerson's background, I discovered her upbringing in a small Austin home, raised by a single mother alongside her seven siblings, all of whom are creatives. Hickerson's life story seemed to resonate with the often clichéd but nonetheless accurate "Austin hippie" stereotype. Below is her self-portrait Self with butterflies, 2020 20x16x1 in 

The current exhibition on display at the gallery is an audacious one titled "GABRIELE GALIMBERTI: THE AMERIGUNS & TOY STORIES." (2021) The exhibition presents a room lined with photographs of adults posing with guns, each within their respective homes. This depiction is Galimberti’s first U.S exhibition, and it's designed to present a stark contrast. At first, you're confronted with the images of these individuals taking pride in their firearms which instills an overwhelming sense of unease.

What I found particularly unsettling was the casual placement of these dangerous weapons among everyday household items. ‘Serenity’ pillows and casual target practice pillows, seemingly purchased from a homeware store, were juxtaposed with an array of firearms, satirizing the nonchalance of the weapon owners.

After navigating through these disconcerting images, the exhibition leads to a much-needed palate cleanser - a room filled with photos of children with their beloved toys. This contrast is not only a relief but also an adorable change. However, the striking similarities between the children's pride in their collectibles and the adults' pride in their weapons cannot be ignored. It raises questions about how consumption starts innocently but can potentially take a turn towards the dangerous.

The provided information about the exhibition reveals, "Galimberti has observed that kids in rural and urban areas seem to differ in how possessive they are with their toys. Children raised in the countryside seem more carefree, perhaps, as he suspected, from having more freedom, fresh air, and/or having fewer possessions in general. Kids raised in cities, however, who spend more time indoors alone, are more reticent in allowing him to see, touch or photograph their possessions." This observation, in itself, is an intriguing commentary on our society.

This gallery gave me a sense of community I have been looking for since moving to Austing and as I stepped out of the gallery, I found myself bathed in the warm, inviting glow of that beautiful Saturday morning. The visit had left a profound impact on me, enriching my understanding and appreciation of art. The intricate displays, the stories behind every brush stroke, the stark contrasts portrayed through the exhibitions; all of it was a testament to the vibrant and diverse art scene in Austin.

The city, with its rich artistic heritage and thriving creative community, has so much more to offer, and I can't wait to delve deeper into it. The thought of returning on Thursday to explore more of these indie, small-scale galleries fills me with a  real sense of anticipation and excitement. Each gallery here is a world in itself, waiting to reveal its treasures to those willing to take the time to truly see.

I look forward to immersing myself further in the Austin art scene, to walking its streets, to exploring its galleries, to meeting its artists, and to absorbing the narratives they weave through their art. I am certain that each visit will bring new revelations, new insights, and a renewed appreciation for the power of creativity. This is more than just an exploration; it's a journey that I am thoroughly excited about embarking on.