Multimedia Artist David Ellis Returns to UT Austin for a Landmarks Talk and Exhibition
The creator of Landmarks’ motion painting "Animal" joins founder Andrée Bober for a conversation on art, rhythm and 15 years of creative impact
Fifteen years ago, Landmarks, the public art program at The University of Texas at Austin, commissioned a motion painting titled “Animal.” Created by multimedia artist David Ellis, the work has captivated audiences for over a decade with its vibrant display of creatures, landscapes, and splashes of paint.
On November 8, Ellis will join Landmarks founder Andrée Bober for a free artist talk and special viewing of “Animal” at Luna Music from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Ellis’s work, which explores motion, sound, and rhythm through a blend of painting and animation, has been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the Mattress Factory, and the Contemporary Art Center. Bober described Ellis as having a dynamic personality and said the opportunity to hear him speak about his process is rare.
“What’s interesting about David Ellis’s work is that there’s a freshness that doesn’t tire over time. People who have never seen it before are awestruck; people who have, they come to see it again,” Bober said. “This is a chance, not only for our community to see his video — which many generations of students have—but to actually hear his voice and to see the new work he’s made just this past year.”
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Bridging art forms
When Landmarks was founded, Bober and her team faced the challenge of creating public art that represented UT’s vast academic landscape. Instead of a single piece, they developed a platform that showcases a different video artist each month — blending performance and visual art while emphasizing the creative process.
“Now we see a flourishing of appreciation for these forms of visual expression,” Bober said. “That’s because people find their own connection to the art.”
Part of the Austin Studio Tour
The upcoming talk coincides with Ellis’ new exhibition, “Recent Drawings,” on view from November 8 to 16 at Luna Music. During that time, Luna Music will also participate in the Austin Studio Tour, which is a free, citywide celebration of local artists featuring open studios, pop-ups, and interactive events.
Through the conversation and exhibition, audiences will have the chance to experience both the lasting influence of “Animal” and the evolution of Ellis’s work.