Ostillo Foundation Opens in Austin with Inaugural Exhibition "Masquerade"
In Austin, Texas, the newly established Ostillo Foundation launched its inaugural exhibition titled "Masquerade" (2026), showcasing the works of fourteen artists who delve into the theme of masks. Founded by René Campos alongside art advisor Sacha Zerbib, the foundation resides in a striking all-black building in East Austin. Zerbib's vision is to foster an inclusive environment that tackles social issues through artistic expression. Among the featured artists are Kader Attia, María Berrío, and Glenn Ligon. Highlighted artworks include Kantarovsky's Nervous Man (2017) and Ligon's Masquerade #9 (2006). The opening event featured a performance by Lonnie Holley and coincided with a University of Texas football game, drawing in over 100,000 attendees.
Key facts
- Ostillo Foundation opened in East Austin, Texas, with the inaugural exhibition "Masquerade" (2026).
- The foundation was founded by developer and art collector René Campos and art advisor Sacha Zerbib, who is founding director and chief curator.
- The exhibition features fourteen artists: Kader Attia, María Berrío, Marlene Dumas, Evan Holloway, Sanya Kantarovsky, Glenn Ligon, Paulo Nazareth, Damián Ortega, Adam Pendleton, Mohammed Sami, Thomas Schütte, Sylvia Snowden, Salman Toor, and Christopher Wool.
- The foundation building is an all-black, hangar-like structure in East Austin.
- The opening included a performance by artist and musician Lonnie Holley.
- The exhibition includes Glenn Ligon's Masquerade #9 (2006), inspired by James Baldwin's 1953 essay "Stranger in the Village."
- Adam Pendleton's Untitled (masks) (2018–19) features a Dan mask motif from Liberia on Mylar sheets.
- The opening weekend coincided with a University of Texas football game against UTSA at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, attended by over 100,000 fans.
Entities
Artists
- Kader Attia
- María Berrío
- Marlene Dumas
- Evan Holloway
- Sanya Kantarovsky
- Glenn Ligon
- Paulo Nazareth
- Damián Ortega
- Adam Pendleton
- Mohammed Sami
- Thomas Schütte
- Sylvia Snowden
- Salman Toor
- Christopher Wool
- Lonnie Holley
- James Baldwin
- René Campos
- Sacha Zerbib
- Dominique de Menil
- John de Menil
- Soul Man Sam
- Paul Hester
Institutions
- Ostillo Foundation
- Blanton Museum
- University of Texas
- UTSA
- Ostillo Art Foundation
- The Warehouse
- Green Family Art Foundation
- Menil Collection
- The Contemporary Austin
- Blanton Museum of Art
- East Side Kings Festival
- Friends Fair
- Affordable Art Fair Austin
- Glasstire
Locations
- Austin
- Texas
- United States
- East Austin
- Colorado River
- Congress Avenue
- Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium
- Liberia
- Dallas
- Houston
- London
- United Kingdom
- Mexico City
- Mexico
- New York City
- Los Angeles