Art that Imitates Dreams
The Collective Imagination of Local Multimedia Artists
Words Janine Stankus | Photos Courtesy of Mesmerize
There’s been a startling discovery in Southeast Austin. A huge, hyper-vibrant crystal is bending the fabric of reality—blurring the lines between everyday life and dreams. Under the watch of “dream guardians,” this permanent exhibition lures intrepid explorers to enter a magical world of “Living Dream.”
“Living Dream” is the latest interactive art show from Mesmerize co-founders and creative directors, Clay Lillard and Mateo Gutierrez. Collaborating with approximately 20 local artists and 30 volunteers, the duo transformed their production studio into a multi-sensory playground—complete with lore. A dreamworld was the ideal conduit for their vision. “ When you’re in REM sleep, you’re getting actual dreams which are super-high fantasy and imaginative,” Clay explains. Their dreams have inspired all the installations currently on display.
With 15 mini-exhibits throughout the space, each play off the “dream” concept in a distinct way. Mulligrub Meadow, by Liza Fishbone, allows visitors to curl up against the big, soft belly of the colorful Mulligrub Hunter while it munches away at bad dream bugs. Halftone Mirage immerses the psychedelic vision of animator and artist Bill Tavis. Seemingly on another plane, images dissolve and reconstitute all around.
Off the exhibit’s main passages, several nooks and hideaways are waiting to be explored, like the Painted Passage—a short staircase leading into a fluff-filled dreamscape. Collective Sigh, a cozy, colorful corner, is filled with whimsical characters created by fiber and tufting artist Hannah Busekrus.
Curated, produced, and even performed by Clay himself, a lulling soundtrack of ambient works from local musicians fills the space. Mateo taps his AV background as tech lead for the exhibit, composing the projection mapping and lighting. He also built The Holo-Hall, where visitors see their shape and movements echoed in colorful lights, a holographic effect created using five stacked acrylic screens.
Clay and Mateo credit their collaborating artists in making “Living Dream” a truly multi-textural experience. “We love and respect these artists,” says Clay. “Their work is so cool and interesting and different than ours. It’s always fun to be able to treat each artist like they are their own color on the palette.”
In fact, each artist was given reign to interpret the lore in their own way, with field notes at each station that tie the artwork into the story. But these aren’t didactic texts; they’re playful cues to help visitors connect with the work and become part of the fantasy, which is the core objective of “Living Dream.” In a world of shrinking attention spans and hyperstimulation, Clay and Mateo hope that their permanent exhibit invites viewers to experience art in a different way. “I think it’s important to connect with the people [whom] you come with and then also connect with the art itself,” Mateo explains. Whether it’s the glowing crystal or the sheer force of imagination, “Living Dream” powers those connections by unlocking a sense of playfulness in visitors of all ages.
Dreaming Bigger
This isn’t Clay and Mateo’s first rodeo when it comes to immersive art. Their first exhibit, “Enter the Multiverse,” opened at the former Native Hostel during the pandemic. After leaving Native, they knew they wanted to revive the concept and eventually decided to do it in their own production studio space. Their vision is to expand into an even bigger space that includes a food and beverage program and then replicate the concept across the country. They’re also considering what Clay calls “a prefab art experience that can just travel and pop up in small markets.”
Come One, Come All
“Living Dream” is great for anyone looking for something novel to do, whether on a date, showing friends around the city, or spending time with family. The exhibit is perfectly kid- (and big-kid) friendly, and it’s also teeming with fun photo ops. With only 10 people an hour admitted, and so much to explore, guests are guaranteed an intimate experience.
Contact:
820 Shelby Ln., Ste. #106
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