This week’s gallery guide comes directly out of the heart of Texas. It’s pride and joy, the city of Austin, is hosting a unique blend of art this month. Texas might be well known for its frontiers, rolling plains, and dry heat, but don’t be surprised that it’s offering a variety of new and exciting gallery shows to visit. In our Must-See Art Guide for Houston we featured a list of exhibitions and art fairs that are reaffirming the lone-star state’s reputation as a thriving contemporary art scene. Austin is here to seal the deal. If you’re exploring the city, don’t miss this eclectic mix of exhibitions, showcasing artists who are breaking conventions, and some who are politely redefining them. For instance, Carol Dawson’s exhibition is an insightful visual experience into the private lives of birds, and depicts an uncanny ensemble of confrontational creatures. In the Blanton Museum of Art, the conceptual artist and iconoclast Xu Bing is using installation to confront history as a question of perception. There is definitely a spectrum to behold here in the state’s capitol, especially when you consider the POP AUSTIN International Art Show‘s cutting-edge selection of contemporary art. I would say don’t be shy, pay each event a visit, and remember to take your time—Texas is a pretty big place.

Carol Dawson, Black-Crested Titmouse (2016). Courtesy of Wally Workman Gallery.

Exhibition: “Carol Dawson: Eye to Eye, The Private Lives of Birds”
When: October 8–29, 2016
Where: Wally Workman Gallery, 1202 West 6th Street, Austin, TX.

Alberto Murillo, Chanel No. 5 Mini. Courtesy of Russell Collection Fine Art.

Exhibition: “Group Show: Pop Art”
When: October 1–30, 2016
Where: Russell Collection Fine Art, 1137 West 6th Street, Austin, TX.

Courtesy of Co-Lab Projects.

Exhibition: “Group Show: Playgrounds”
When: October 8–29, 2016
Where: Co-Lab Projects, 721 Congress Ave, Austin, TX.

Richard Forster, Levittown Variation, Ostalgie Pattern (2015). Courtesy of Lora Reynolds Gallery.

Exhibition: “Richard Forster: Levittown”
When: September 17–November 12, 2016
Where: Lora Reynolds Gallery, 360 Nueces, Suite 50, Austin, TX.

Courtesy of MASS Gallery.

Exhibition: “Group Show: The First Horizons of Juno”
When: September 16–October 22, 2016
Where: MASS Gallery, 507 Calles Street, Suite 108, Austin, TX.

Xu Bing, Book From the Sky (1987–91). Courtesy of Blanton Museum of Art.

Exhibition: “Xu Bing: Book from the Sky”
When: June 19–January 22, 2017
Where: Blanton Museum of Art, 200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin, TX.

Courtesy of POP AUSTIN International Art Show.

Art Fair: “POP AUSTIN International Art Show”
When: October 13–16, 2016
Where: Fair Market, 1100 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX.