Client: 1121 Symphony Square

Overview

Inspired by nearby Waller Creek, Transitions’ ephemeral flow entices from across the lobby of 1121 Symphony Square apartments like a waterfall reward at the end of a long hike. Artists J Muzacz and Hope Hummingbird add up close details, with hand painted porcelain and pressed textures creating meaningful “moments” throughout the composition, highlighting local Austin iconography and recent history such as nearby music venues, natural landscapes, and values of wellness and kindness. Particularly special tributes include Jane Sibley who saved the Austin Symphony and brought it to the site christening it Symphony Square, as well as Jeremiah Hamilton who built the first stone house on the property way back in the 1870s. The Red River Cultural District is also well represented through music clubs and other subtle references, offering a brief history lesson and a new experience with every viewing of the mural for both Austinites and newcomers alike.

Goals

- Create a welcoming feature wall in the lobby
- Highlight local history and culture
- Respond to nearby Waller Creek
- Match interior design aesthetics to create a unified experience of the apartment

Process

We met with the team at 1121 Symphony Square to brainstorm a list of iconic and historic people, businesses, values, pastimes, and other pillars of Austin culture with a particular emphasis on hyperlocal references. Inspired by this list, Hope Hummingbird created custom porcelain moments: stamped, painted, and handwritten ceramic tiles that add up-close detail and meaning to the abstract composition.

In addition to Transitions, Muzacz created two other landmark mosaic murals for the building, creating a cohesive and intriguing visual aesthetic throughout the apartment complex.