Ellsworth Kelly: Austin

In January 2015, Ellsworth Kelly gifted to the Blanton the design concept for his most monumental work, a 2,715-square-foot stone building with luminous colored glass windows, a totemic wood sculpture, and fourteen black-and-white stone panels in marble. Titled Austin, honoring the artist’s tradition of naming particular works for the places for which they are destined, the structure is the first and only freestanding building the artist has designed, and will be his most lasting legacy. Envisioned by Kelly as a site for joy and contemplation, Austin will become a cornerstone of the Blanton’s permanent collection and will enrich the lives of visitors from around the world.

Ellsworth Kelly Panel Discussion

On October 31, 2015, the Blanton hosted a roundtable discussion on the life and work of Ellsworth Kelly, featuring notable curators and scholars from across the country. Moderated by Veronica Roberts, Blanton Curator of Modern and Contemporary art, panelists included Gavin Delahunty (Dallas Museum of Art), Carter Foster (Whitney Museum of American Art), Tricia Y. Paik (Indianapolis Museum Of Art), and Richard Shiff (The University of Texas at Austin).

Thanks to our friends at Art This Week, video of the panel, as well as the question and answer session, is available to watch online.

“Austin” is a gift of the artist, with funding generously provided by Jeanne and Michael Klein, Judy and Charles Tate, the Scurlock Foundation, Suzanne Deal Booth and David G. Booth, and the Longhorn Network. Additional funding provided by The Brown Foundation, Inc. of Houston, Leslie and Jack S. Blanton, Jr., Elizabeth and Peter Wareing, Sally and Tom Dunning, the Lowe Foundation, The Eugene McDermott Foundation, Stedman West Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation, with further support provided by Sarah and Ernest Butler, Buena Vista Foundation, The Ronald and Jo Carole Lauder Foundation, Emily Rauh Pulitzer, Janet and Wilson Allen, Judy and David Beck, Kelli and Eddy S. Blanton, Charles Butt, Mrs. Donald G. Fisher, Amanda and Glenn Fuhrman, Glenstone/Emily and Mitch Rales, Stephanie and David Goodman, Agnes Gund, Stacy and Joel Hock, Lora Reynolds and Quincy Lee, Helen and Chuck Schwab, Ellen and Steve Susman, and other donors.

All Categories