Ellsworth Kelly's Austin

A Temple of Light and Form

Ellsworth Kelly's Austin is a singular architectural achievement, representing the artist's only designed building and his final, profound masterpiece. Conceived from a lifelong fascination with the interplay of light and form, and inspired by European chapels and stained glass, Austin is a testament to Kelly's obsessive dedication to his abstract style. The structure, completed in 2018, is a secular space designed for joy and contemplation, blending abstract art with church-like architectural elements.

The Genesis of a Masterpiece

Kelly's vision for Austin began to take shape in the mid-1980s, evolving over decades from initial sketches. The project fused Judeo-Christian themes with his signature abstract aesthetic. The 14 black-and-white marble panels, originally conceived as painted steel 'Stations of the Cross,' were meticulously sourced and executed in marble by architect Rick Archer to achieve Kelly's desired pure white tones. Kelly personally oversaw every aesthetic detail, working closely with the Blanton Museum of Art and UT Austin collaborators to ensure his vision would be realized even after his passing in 2015. Funded by generous donors, it opened as a profound gift, a 'temple for light' that embodies Kelly's unique artistic philosophy.