This exhibition shows the Halloween Garage portraits by Austin photographer Michael O‘Brien (b. 1950, Memphis, TN) for the first time. This project evolved over many years. Portraits of neighborhood kids in their Halloween costumes were taken annually. After several years passed, Michael interviewed the older subjects while showing them their earlier portraits. Comments from each interview have become the displayed text included with the photograph.
 
This suburban document relates to Bill Owens‘ work from the 1970s where he documented life in California suburbia, which included text. But O‘Brien‘s contemporary view deals with one specific ritual, Halloween; a declaration of creativity, identity, and innocence. But most of all this series echoes the early neighborhood camaraderie, which fused children, parents and neighbors together within the cul-de-sac.
 
Michael O‘Brien‘s portraits of famous Texans have been exhibited throughout museums in Texas. His book, The Face of Texas, features notable Texas figures including Kinky Friedman, ZZ Top, Willie Nelson, Lady Bird Johnson, and George Bush. His photographs are in several museum collections including the MFA Houston, the Harry Ransom Center, UT Texas, the International Center of Photography, NYC, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Louisiana.