2009 Texas Biennial [Art Preview]

This year marks the third Texas Biennial, and the independent survey of contemporary art from all around the state has adopted a new structure that builds upon previous events. For the 2009 event, organizers are once again planning a group exhibition but have added four more focused solo shows that were given to one artist from each of the four corners of Texas. Additionally, the Texas Biennial is collaborating with Austin's Art in Public Places to install temporary outdoor projects in a handful of spaces around town. The 2009 Texas Biennial begins this weekend with opening receptions of the group exhibitions on Friday and opening receptions for the four solo shows on Saturday. An after party hosted by Okay Mountain will follow Saturday's openings. All of the exhibit spaces will be open on Sunday from noon to 5pm and the Texas Biennial runs trough April 11th.

For the first time in its history, the Biennial has chosen a single juror to select and curate the shows. Los Anngeles art critic and independent curator Michael Duncan was chosen to put together the solo and group shows. Duncan collaborated with Risa Puleo of the Blanton to review and select the outdoor projects that will be featured in the event. Representing the four cardinal directions of the Lone Star State in their own solo exhibits are Lee Bazter Davis of Greenville, Jayne Lawrence of San Antonio, Kelli Vance of Houston, and William Cannings of Lubbock. For those readers who are wondering where Austin ended up on the map, our fair city was sorted into the South category.

Women and Their Work Gallery and the Mexican American Cultural Center will host the 2009 group exhibitions. Pump Project Art Complex revamped its gallery space to accommodate Lee Baxter Davis' solo exhibit that was originally scheduled to be held at Gallery Lombardi. Okay Mountain is hosting William Cannings' show, Mass Gallery is showing Jayne Lawrence's work, and Kelli Vance's work can be seen at Big Medium. Temporary outdoor projects have been installed at Auditorium Shores, Fiesta Gardens, the Mexican American Cultural Center grounds, and at the Great Meadows area of Butler Park. The 2009 Texas Biennial exhibitions will be in the galleries through April 11th and the outdoor projects are scheduled to remain on display through the end of the year.

Visit the Texas Biennial site for specific information about events, opening receptions, and gallery hours.