The Top 10 Works of Austin Art of 2024
In a year of crushing despair, human creation gave us hope
By Cat McCarrey, Fri., Dec. 13, 2024
Can we just agree that 2024 was a sucking black hole of despair? If not, at least pretend to agree – because the idea that everyone’s filled with existential dread is keeping me sane right now. Yet one saving grace was this writing gig. It forced me to get out every week and see the glory of artistic ingenuity. And wouldn’t you know, there were quite a lot of beautiful discoveries in store. I now present, in no particular order, the things that made me glad art exists.
1) Ivester Contemporary’s “Infinite Scroll” Exhibit
“Infinite Scroll” revolved around ideas of technology and art, forming a compendium of dystopic techno-nature mash-ups. But the ultimate highlight? The black box room, curated by Tiffany K. Smith, full of art utilizing screens: an actual infinitely scrolling iPad, computer games crafted around artist fear and identity, and a darkly absurd Instagram feed. It was a singularly mind-bending experience, changing my conceptions of medium and presentation in art.
2) Austin Shakespeare’s Jane Eyre
The first time I saw work that broke boundaries and theatrical conventions was at London’s National Theatre. I fell in love. Naturally, this production, with Austin Shakespeare’s faithful National Theatre blocking and use of onstage musicians, appealed to me. It’s a viewing experience outside of your typical production expectations, and it was a joy to watch.
3) Bottle Alley Theatre Company’s Trash Planet
Science fiction is a hard sell for me, but this story of “criminals” banished through a wormhole to a planet filled with Earth’s other trashy castoffs worked on every level. The detailed set (featuring world-building complete with actual trash), the twisting script, and the entire cast was delightful. I felt transported and left wanting more.
4) The Lasagna Rotolo at ASTI Trattoria
Food is one of the highest art forms, and ASTI Trattoria’s lasagna deserves the same reverence as any Rembrandt or Picasso. The presentation is a visual feast, pockets of perfect ricotta and Bolognese wrapped in a single noodle topped with slimly shaven basil fronds. The cheese pull alone deserves a standing ovation. And once the concoction hits the palate? Nothing but bliss.
5) Broad Theatre’s Hungry Teen Track Stars
If someone reached into my mind and extracted everything I want in my entertainment, Hungry Teen Track Stars would be the result. I can’t get enough of coming-of-age tales, exploration of female friendships, and stark examinations of how women make their way in the world. Watching the show was also the most I laughed in a theatre this year. Everything, and I mean everything, worked for me.
6) The Curtain Theatre
Y’all, there’s a Globe Theatre replica on the banks of Lake Austin, and I don’t know why this isn’t on every tourist guide to the city. It’s magical. Experiencing Shakespeare in a mostly historically accurate setting is a gift in itself. But add in the beauty of a remote Lake Austin shore? Shakespeare himself couldn’t resist this beauty.
7) The Couch in Funny, Like an Abortion
The entire play didn’t live up to the beauty of the set-piece, but I’ve got to give the couch its due. The second scenic designer Izzy Poehlmann’s creation started moving there was a sea change in atmosphere. I literally jumped and gasped in disbelief. Judging from the electric audience fervor as the furniture literally sprang to life, I’d say no one was immune to the charm of the couch.
8) The Flower Hill Center
I have to once again thank Bottle Alley’s eye for experimental venues for introducing me to this wonder. Watching the company’s adaptation of The Haunting of Hill House on this out-of-time homestead in Old West Austin was a treat, but touring the house beforehand was absolutely illuminating. The sheer volume of knickknacks, books, dishes, and figurines was a voyeuristic blast to Austin’s past.
9) Art by Candace Hicks
Hicks’ works, like Common Thread, Volume 141 or Response to Sexual Harassment Investigation Report, aren’t just re-creations of paper records. They’re carefully embroidered words on cloth, fabric perfectly mimicking composition books and manila file folders. I’m already inclined toward text-based art, but add in the time-consuming and detailed work of embroidery, and I’m sold.
10) Stephen Mills’ POE / A Tale of Madness
This Ballet Austin production defied every antiquated idea of what ballet could be, playing with space and texture and movement in a way that utterly broke my brain. I loved the grim set, the Gothic costumes, the dire atmosphere. In short, a breathless performance that made me weep over the sheer power of Texas talent.
