Colombian-American sculptor fights displacement with art.

Austin Artist Remembers The Sounds Of A Changing Neighborhood

To make sense of change and displacement in East Austin, artist Juan Christian “J.C.” King turned to sound. The Colombian American sculptor and self-described "public sound" artist built a cart reminiscent of a picó, a mobile DJ machine used in Colombia.

King interviewed 60 East Austin residents, some displaced and some still in the neighborhood, to recreate lost sounds and memories. The result was a music cart that produced somber chimes, mixed with sounds of children playing, parrot chatter, and cricket chirps.

"The intention from a broad scope was taking a memory and taking it through the streets that created it. Like a ghost that revives what is gone." - Juan Christian “J.C.” King

On Thursday evening, King led the "East Austin Ghost Procession." Three dozen participants carried screen-printed lanterns with images of bungalows, churches, BBQ gatherings, and Spanish speakers. The procession began at Pan American Neighborhood Park, where a 3D-printed representation of East Austin sat atop the music cart, with some buildings painted black to symbolize demolition.

Many participants were artists, like Khattie “KhattieQ” Quiñones, 46, who wanted to increase visibility for Hispanics, artists, and Black people in the area. The procession continued to East Cesar Chavez, where lanterns glowed and onlookers watched, reflecting on the changing neighborhood.

King grew up in the area in the 1980s and ’90s but left in 2018 due to rising rents and house prices. Reflecting on the changes, he wanted to know what others remembered and missed. Through his art, he hopes to bring dispersed community members together.

"Things are going to change," he said, "but my hope ... is that through our efforts we can maintain our networks and still function as a community."

Procession attendee and musician Joel Cortez, 47, reflected on the changing nature of the city: "Austin has historically not been a sentimental place."