Wildly Austin: Austin's Landmark Art

Vikki Loving has exposed the mystique that has given Austin the reputation for being eccentric—and WILD. The pieces that Loving and the book’s photographer Gregg Cestaro chose let the quirky and eclectic side of Austin show. Among the images are an oversized snow cone sporting sunglasses, a giant largemouth bass, and an immeasurable zebra balancing a fruit basket on its head. The photos illustrate why Austin is known for being a place for peculiar art.

Loving includes the history of Austin’s 30 most famous landmark art pieces along with photos. Among the many stories is the history of the arm pumping iron for Hyde Park Gym. That beefy arm has let Austinites and travelers know that they are in the heart of funky and uninhibited Austin for over 20 years. And what about the welcoming woman atop Taco Xpress in South Austin? You will find out that the woman with the open arms is actually the owner doing her impression of Eva Peron.

Each art piece has its own unique history and distinct place in the hearts of Austinites. By chronicling these landmarks through photographs, Wildly Austin: Austin’s Landmark Art has helped to continue the tradition of Austin as a fun and exciting place for art of all kinds. Loving has described the book as being “about the unique, fun, funky things we celebrate in Austin.”