The Pylon Project

September 2021 – February 2022

is a commissioned project-in-progress in which Austin-based conceptual artist, Susan Scafati, takes over the Canopy sign facing Springdale Rd through the beginning of next year, as part of Big Medium’s Pylon Project artist-in-residence. Scafati is using the signpost as an extension of her studio- a space to experiment with temporary light works and play out ideas around the neighborhood.

Susan Scafati is an American conceptual artist who explores the ways in which individual versus collective identities and personal versus cultural mythologies are constructed. She uses light metaphors to reflect on destabilizing archetypes and cultures in flux.

Scafati works across multiple mediums and is known for large-scale art installations. Recent commissions include installations at the Austin Central Library, Facebook office, and Texas Cultural Trust’s Texas Medal of Arts Awards biennial. She was selected by The Contemporary Austin to be the museum’s 2019 Contemporary Print Artist — a recognition that highlights outstanding artists and commissions a print for their collection. She has also been a visiting artist and lecturer for many organizations and institutions.

Exhibitions include Unframed First Look at Sean Kelly Gallery, NY (curated by Cindy Sherman, Adam Fuss, and Jack Pierce); The Photo Review at Sol Mednick Gallery, PA (curated by Museum of Modern Art/MOMA Curator Sarah Meister); t e x t s c a p e at Co-Lab Projects’ DEMO Gallery; Goya: Mad Reason at The Blanton Museum (curated by Douglas Cushing); and with collective Lakes Were Rivers in Strange Pilgrims at The Contemporary Austin and Contemporary Photographic Practice and the Archive at the Harry Ransom Center.

Big Medium and Central Austin Management present the Pylon Project, an intervention of the pylon sign outside of Canopy by one resident artist every 6 months.