AUS exhibit offers portal to other dimensions

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is known for its imaginative art installations, but its newest interactive exhibit may be the most whimsical one yet. Created by Brooklyn-based artist Janet Zweig, “Interimaginary Departures,” which is located between gates 12 and 14 at Gate ∞ (yes, that’s an infinity symbol) offers travelers two departures screens featuring 120 fanciful and fictional destinations, from the Wizard of Oz’s Emerald City to Gallifrey, the home world of Doctor Who’s Time Lords. Travelers may print out boarding passes featuring quotes from the imaginary destinations as a loudspeaker announces boarding information. Economic Development Department Acting Director Sylnovia Holt-Rabb calls it “one of the most complex public art projects we’ve ever commissioned.” In her description of the piece, Zweig writes, “The opportunity to transform a hold room in an airport into a magical space has never been offered to an artist. It will be a one-of-a-kind artwork and will distinguish the airport as a unique location for experiential art and a place with a playful sense of humor.”