If you're breezing through the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you might want to slow down around Gate 15. There's something new hanging overhead—Convergence / Austin, a public art installation that stands as a testament to the city's growing stature in culture and tech. Crafted by local talent Beili Liu, a respected artist and University of Texas at Austin faculty member, this piece is more than airport décor; it's a slice of Austin's creative heart given form.
Spanning 16 feet by 12 feet and consisting of around 400 strands with 3,200 components, "Convergence / Austin" is not just another art installation—it's a woven narrative of the city's ambitious trajectory, mirrored in the Comet City's increasingly busy airspace. Liu, in a statement released by the City of Austin's official blog, explained the installation's deep personal resonance: "Creating Convergence / Austin is an especially meaningful experience for me... There is something intimate and personal about making a project for my family, friends, and the Austin community."
Liu's work deals with connection and convergence, themes fitting for an airport setting. The piece serves to embody the bustling mix of stories and destinies colliding and merging within the terminal. "Convergence / Austin is a site-responsive public art installation that reflects and responds to the purpose, growth, and excellence of the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport," Liu told the City of Austin in an interview.
The choice of red plexiglass did not come without intent. Drawing inspiration from Liu's own "Lure," Convergence / Austin harks back to a poignant Chinese legend about invisible, red threads connecting soulmates. The artist has translated this concept into a durable and stable piece designed to enchant for at least two decades. "The translucent quality of acrylic captures the natural light of the Gate 15 space... I was very excited to be able to work with this unique site surrounded by large windows," Liu said, further detailing the project's alignment with its environment in an interview with the City of Austin.
Beyond the visual impact, Liu's commitment to the local community shines through in the creation process. "As an Austin Artist, I am committed to supporting my local arts community," Liu stated, emphasizing the use of local artists and fabricators in bringing the project to life. Notably, the piece is a departure from Liu's usual ephemeral works. "Convergence/Austin is designed to serve the airport and the public for many years. It is an honor and a privilege to share this work with my community here in Austin," she expressed in her conversation with the City of Austin.
