Arty Austinites Gather to Celebrate “Unstable Territory: Reflections on Memory” Art Exhibition at The Loren Hotel’s Paggi House
Curators Erin Ellis and Kristen Force unite local and international female artists in a compelling exploration of memory and identity through contemporary painting
Austin’s art community gathered last week at the historic Paggi House to celebrate the opening of “Unstable Territory: Reflections on Memory.” The exhibition, curated by the dynamic duo Erin Ellis and Kristen Force of Ellis | Force Art Partners, marks another successful moment in The Loren Hotel’s mission to elevate Austin’s art scene.
Paggi House, a historic 19th-century building reimagined as a sophisticated gallery space, seamlessly merged contemporary artworks with its architecture, as the city’s stylish art set mingled among thoughtfully curated paintings. The six all-female lineup of artists included in the exhibition, ranging from local talent to international names, all explore the fluid nature of memory and identity through painting. This profound thread identified by Ellis and Force brought together large-scale works of abstraction and meditative creations exuding emotion.
The foyer of Paggi House welcomed guests into the exhibition with Julia Maiuri’s small scale, dreamlike works that blur the boundary between natural and supernatural using saturated tones.
Abstract paintings explore nostalgia and identity
Austin’s own Breck Baig’s vibrant abstractions pulled viewers through emotional landscapes with meditative color fields, while Brooklyn-based b chehayeb’s semi-abstract paintings incorporate symbols—cowboy boots, stars and the letter ñ—creating a dialogue of cultural nostalgia.
International art presence included Belgian artist Aglaé Bassens’ tender reflections on intimacy and shared experience, alongside British painter Laura Lancaster’s large scale paintings that monumentalize figures from another era. To complete a most talented sibling duo, Lancaster’s twin sister Rachel Lancaster’s paintings capture cinematic fragments divorced from their narrative context.
Exhibitions of this kind is exactly what makes Austin’s art scene the exciting space that is. With no signs of growth slowing, the continued spaces, shows and art professionals within Austin continue to evolve the opportunities for artists to show their work to art hungry Austinites. Austin is globally renowned for many things, and an distinct and thriving art scene is becoming another feather in its cap.
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Paggi House elevates Austin’s contemporary art scene
Indeed, The Loren Hotel’s transformation of Paggi House into a premier art venue is a commitment to Austin’s evolving art scene. Since reopening in March, the space has hosted a series of impressive exhibitions including “Explorers” and “Floating Through the Metaverse,” positioning itself as a big player in the city’s art community.
“We see this as an opportunity to not only support Austin-based artists but also the talented art professionals who are helping shape Austin’s thriving art scene,” noted Penny Liebman Aaron, cultural advisor for Paggi House.
As Austin continues its growth, spaces like the renovated Paggi House offer an important convergence of history and contemporary creativity.
“Unstable Territory: Reflections on Memory” runs through June 5, with viewing available by appointment only.