Cool art with hot wax at ABIA

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (ABIA) News

For immediate release:

October 09, 2009

Cool Art with Hot Wax at ABIA

Encaustic art samples from artists Sharon Kyle Kuhn, Jacqueline May, Michelle Belto and Kristy Darnell Battani

AUSTIN, TEXAS – Paintings with gravelly texture, collages layered with translucent, water-like colors, leafy items frozen in motion and metal coins fused together in hot wax comprise the newest exhibit at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Elements, located in the Airside East Gallery, features one of the world’s oldest painting media forms, hot beeswax mixed with pigment called encaustic. In the display, four Austin artists paint, sculpt, shape, incise, mass, layer, encapsulate and melt opaque and/or translucent colors together to form varied and unique art forms.

Artist Sharon Kyle Kuhn builds up wax to create thick textures in which she can encapsulate and incorporate common objects of interest. In her piece, Rocky Road, she takes a bicycle wheel, a rustic heavy chain and decomposed granite to create a visual metaphor describing the elements of bike travel. Kristy Darnell Battani’s artwork harkens back to her youth with bits and pieces of objects she has collected while growing up in a family that was in professional sports. Included in her artwork is a technique of covering paper with wax to freeze and capture its shape created by movement in the air. In her piece, Miss Ellie’s Nerves a shredded paper program is fanned out in a pattern like a cheerleader’s pom-pom shaking in frenzy after a touchdown. Michelle Belto’s works utilize a gentle wax texture engulfing pieces of fabric, buttons and other found objects to create a light hearted rhythm of shape and color. Her framed pieces seem to float above the surface like a sail in the wind. Jacqueline May’s sensitive surface treatment of the Drunkard’s Path with reflective and translucent layers of wax allow her to convey a community of visual images. She cuts and incises wax to create a three-dimensional design over an underlying image effectively allowing multiple layers of art to surface and interplay with the each other.

The exhibit is on display through January 5, 2010 in the Airside East Gallery located on the concourse behind the Austin Article bookstore across from Gate 8 and in the area of the airport past security checkpoints.

Other exhibits on display at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport:

“To: Austin, From: Austin” in the Concourse glass pylon cases though Oct. 26, 2009
Ten Austin artists share their artwork ranging from forged metal sculptures to delicate ceramics to carved peanuts. Unique photography of Austin by Rama Tiru is featured alongside the cases for travelers to get another view of the City. On display between Gates 7-11.

“Austin Fiber Artists”in the Airside West Gallery through November 04, 2009
Fabulous, multifaceted fabric and fiber art ranging from translucent batiks to thick quilts. Designs include abstract textures and shapes alongside hats and wall hangings. On display behind the BookPeople store near Gate 11.

Source: City of Austin