Meet Future Front's Resident Artists (2024/25)
Every year, Future Front produces an Annual Artist Residency, featuring DJs, sound artists and visual artists in Austin, Texas.
Collaborating year-round within our programs or with our partners—like The Contemporary Austin, The LINE Hotel Austin and Pease Park—our Resident Artists work with us to create everything from public workshop series to custom playlists to life-size installations.
Designed distinctively for emerging visual and sound artists with community practices in Central Texas, the program includes structured, year-long professional development from Future Front’s staff and partners, as well as group exhibitions within Future Front’s programs.
TODAY, WE’D LIKE YOU TO MEET 9 ARTISTS WITHIN OUR 2024/2025 RESIDENCY COHORTS.
meet the artists:
Child Appetite is the creative world of Iris Kwon, an Austin-based illustrator and painter whose tender, dreamlike narratives explore childhood, belonging, and emotional memory. With roots that trace across multiple countries, Iris reflects on the in-between spaces of growing up through her symbolic character “Child”—a misfit figure who journeys through whimsical landscapes and animal friendships, echoing the artist’s own search for comfort and place. Under this moniker, she builds stories that blend softness and sorrow, nostalgia and imagination, inviting others into a shared emotional space.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
The central theme of my work is coming of age—a continuous exploration of growth and transformation. Each painting features a recurring symbolic character named Child, representing both myself and the universal figure of anyone navigating the different phases of life.
The stories often unfold through whimsical environments and animal companions, creating a sense of dreamlike comfort that contrasts with the underlying, sometimes darker, emotional narratives tied to human connection and lived experiences.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
Community quietly shapes my work as something I've long searched for through constant movement across countries. That sense of belonging and otherness weaves into my paintings through the symbolic Child figure—a reflection of myself and anyone navigating life’s in-between spaces.
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
My creative process often begins with sketching or jotting down keywords that capture memories from my childhood or significant life experiences that have shaped my thoughts and emotions. These words become the foundation for drawing characters that embody the central theme. Like a collage, I piece together these characters to form a cohesive composition and build the environment around them. From there, I transfer the sketches onto canvas, bringing the narrative to life.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
One piece of advice I still struggle with is not comparing my work to others. In today’s world, where social media makes it so easy to see and be exposed to the work of others, it’s both incredibly inspiring and overwhelming. The downside is that constant exposure can lead to comparing yourself based on others’ attention and success. It’s easy to fall into the trap of doubting yourself because of digital validation. Though it’s difficult, I’ve found that liberating myself from the pressure of online popularity can be a lot more freeing, allowing me to truly connect with and feel my work without external distractions.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
I’m currently preparing for my solo exhibition at the Georgetown Art Center, which will open on April 25th. I’d love for you to stop by and say hi! I’m really excited to share my stories and artwork with everyone.
Wilted Nurture is the sculptural practice and persona of Christopher, an Austin-based ceramicist whose handbuilt works emerge from a place of deep emotion, heritage, and healing. Christopher’s journey into clay began during a time of personal difficulty, and over time, Wilted Nurture has become more than a creative outlet—it’s an embodiment of care, intention, and connection. Each piece, built using a self-taught method of slow crafting and hand-coiling on a manually spun wheel, carries a story shaped by intuition and rooted in ancestral memory.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
My art revolves around two themes: my mental health and the need to feel connected to my Mexican heritage. A lot of feeling goes into each piece—whether I’m feeling okay or not. It’s an outlet that allows me to share some of my deepest thoughts and struggles, which has helped me connect with many like-minded individuals.
As a Mexican-American, my experience with my Latin culture has often been one that lies in the middle. At times feeling disconnected from my ancestral roots, the line work and designs in my pieces are largely inspired by Aztec art. The designs are an homage and reminder of where I come from. Pottery is an indigenous and spiritual practice after all, and this process has helped me reconnect in different ways with those who came before me.
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
I’ve adopted a method that I call slow crafting. It’s equal parts working on my health and wellness by taking care of myself first, then lending myself to the art and feeding my spiritual hunger. Creating can take a lot out of someone, so prioritizing myself is the best thing I can do.
This usually includes daily walks, eating and sleeping enough, indulging in some of my favorite mindless activities, and—most importantly—creating at my own pace. I believe forcing things never works and often generates bad results. If I end up working on a piece for 30 minutes and I don’t want to do it anymore, then so be it. The following day will be there to get right back to it. In other words, I don’t force things. I do what feels right.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
I think some of the best advice I’ve ever received is to never compare myself to others and to know my worth. I, just like most people, have been a victim of self-doubt, which has led to comparison—and truth be told, it’s a waste of time and stirs up unnecessary negative emotion.
Remaining true to yourself and understanding that your art is unique to you is far more important. All good things happen over time and success is not attained in a day. Understanding your worth is also so important—whether it’s compensation or what you feel your art deserves. Let it be known. Speak up. We spend so much time creating and being proud of what we make, so for it to be diminished or dismissed is a disservice to yourself and your practice.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
Stay up to date with me on Instagram: @WiltedNurture. I post all upcoming markets, showcasings, and events there. Until then—I’m likely slow crafting.
Emsbrynart is a self-employed jack of all trades, a self-proclaimed multidisciplinary artist who’s less interested in labels and more focused on creating the kinds of work they want to see in the world. With a background in fine arts and an early love for painting, their current creative practice spans everything from screen printing on secondhand clothing to painting, building, and collaborating with friends. Through their brand, Emsbrynart, they merge creativity and sustainability—thrifting and reimagining pre-loved garments with powerful, often personal, hand-printed designs. Whether printing at home or surrounded by fellow artists, they’re always chasing new ways to stay rooted in the artistic world around them.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
I almost exclusively create work around queerness, love, ephemera, and immigration. As a high schooler developing my artistic voice I always made work about the experiences I was having - my first relationships, realizing my queerness, losing family, etc.
I loved how easy it was to create work that explained myself, and how mind blowing it felt to me to create such a personal piece, that a stranger could look at, and see themselves within. I think it feels really affirming, and ego-shattering, to create such personal work about hard experiences in life, and see someone so effortless relate to that piece. It brings forth an obvious sense of community, but also really helps me remember that there is no single thing I have experienced uniquely. It makes me feel more alive amongst others, more cared for, more a part of this world.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
Community shows up in my creative work monetarily more than anything else. That feels odd to admit, but on the other hand, it's something I'm really proud of. With my clothing brand I print an array of designs and slogans about immigration rights, the migration process, and my general thoughts on migration, and I donate 10% of each sale back into my communities.
I focus on different organizations that work to make migration safer, easier, and just generally doable. It's important to me to extend a loving hand to others while I am being so lovingly accepted creatively. Donating consistently within my practice has become integral to my work, and something I could never imagine not doing. I think of it this way: I have worked really hard to achieve my dream job, and I am experiencing a level of joy, comfort, and pride that many don't feel at my age, so I'm of the belief that I am being so cosmically taken care of, it's only sensible that I do what I can to sustainably care for others.
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
It definitely depends on what I'm creating—whether for business or pleasure—but I'll talk about my personal practice, as it's the more fun answer. Almost always, when I go to make a piece for myself, I only act when inspiration is hitting. That can come from scrolling social media, reflecting on photos of my friends, thinking about a big feeling I've been experiencing, etc., but I act almost immediately. I'm not a planner/sketcher artistically, so I always go straight to canvas.
Music is a must, a drink of sorts is a must, and I usually prefer to be hunched over in the worst way when I paint, sew, or draw. I like to be able to sprawl out on the floor, physically able to reach every part of my canvas as I work. I have a playlist for creating, and my current personal favorite song on that playlist would probably be "Scott Street" by Phoebe Bridgers.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
The same advice my college professors gave me—keep a practice. Keep a sketchbook, write down every idea, just make something as often as you can. My college professors made me see creating as such a romantic thing, and I still think that's true. I think it's romantic to keep a sketchbook in your bag, pencils around, a full Notes App, and just make something often, keep the muscle movement alive and strong.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
I used New Year's Day as the start of routine website restocks with my brand, whereas before they were semi-chaotic. Coming up you'll be able to see my work listed on my website at the start of each month, and I'll be all around town during SXSW. You can keep your eyes on me on my Instagram—@emsbrynart—or on my website www.emsbrynart.com.
Supermcn4sty—aka Dante—is a DJ, producer, and event organizer based in Austin with a deep love for underground club music and a talent for making people move. Since 2017, they’ve spun everywhere from sweaty club nights to weddings and major festivals like Boiler Room and SXSW. But beyond the booth, Dante considers themselves a connector, creating spaces for queer BIPOC folks to feel free, seen, and fully themselves on the dance floor. Whether through a high-energy mix, a packed-out event, or a track that hits just right, Dante’s work is all about liberation, emotion, and sonic storytelling.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
Liberation. Nostalgia. Energy. I love blending sounds across eras and subcultures—house, techno, Northeastern club, global club, or something weird and left-field. There's also always a deep emotional current in my sets. Sometimes it’s joy and euphoria. Sometimes it’s a cathartic release. But at the core, I want people to feel something real.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
Community is everything. The most powerful gigs I’ve played are the ones where I feel completely in sync with the crowd. It’s not just me DJing at people—it’s all of us creating something together in the moment. That connection is especially true in queer nightlife, where the dance floor becomes sacred. I also see community in how I collaborate: throwing parties, doing radio residencies, sharing knowledge. I wouldn’t be where I am without the folks who’ve supported me, and I try to give that energy back.
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
It really depends. Sometimes I need a walk to clear my head. Other times, I get inspired by watching live performances—especially Tiny Desk concerts, which I love. Then there are moments when I sit down with no plan at all and just start digging through tracks or experimenting with sounds until something clicks. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to make space for play. The best sets happen when I’m not overthinking—just feeling.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
Don’t be afraid to take breaks and step back when you need to. There’s so much pressure to constantly produce, but creativity needs room to breathe. You’ll make your best work when you give yourself space to live, reflect, and grow.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
You can find all my upcoming event details on my Instagram or website http://djsupermcn4sty.com. I’m also part of a queer DJ collective called Indulge—we’re throwing our one-year anniversary party during SXSW! It’s happening on March 10 at Neon Grotto from 9 PM to 2 AM. Follow us at @indulge_tx to keep up with the collective and future events.
Rewon Shimray is an Austin-based painter who turns personal memory into visual meditation. Working primarily from childhood photographs, Rewon recontextualizes these intimate images through symbolism, iconography, and layered narratives that reflect broader social and systemic realities. Her work is tender, pointed, and unflinchingly honest—each series unfolding like a visual journal, tracing the complexities of identity, family, and inherited systems across time.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
Although I consider myself an autobiographical painter, my work is meant to tell the stories of not only myself and my family but also of anyone shaped by systemic forces. My art aims to be honest, confronting the realities that aren’t visually evident but are still so viscerally experienced. I seek to manifest these experiences and emotions into a form that demands attention, facilitates conversation, and stimulates deep reflection.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
I make art for people to see people. My first solo exhibition in 2023 was all about being Asian in America. I used pictures of myself, but I wanted people to look into the face of that brown girl, adorned with markers of her story, and learn to look upon every brown face with more nuance, more curiosity about their context, and wonder about the backgrounds that would appear on their portraits. The first step to creating community is cultivating compassion. We need to see—and I mean really see—each other. My paintings are my way of trying to make people start to look.
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
I’m a person first, a painter second. My art flows from the everyday life I live and the thoughts I carry. When I begin to notice recurring themes in my conversations with friends or in my journal entries—almost like conversations with myself—that’s when images start to emerge. I can become deeply immersed in the themes of my work, building playlists and reading books that align with them. As I dive into that world, new ideas begin to bloom, and I’ll often spend a year and a half exploring those ideas before moving on to something else.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
It can feel silly making our little drawings and paintings in the midst of so much political corruption and global suffering, but your compulsion to create means that your art wants to exist within all of this chaos. Your art is not irrelevant; your art is born from and exists in the context of everything going on. Let it exist.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
The best way to keep up with my work is on Instagram @artbyrewon. I’ll also be posting more long-form content about my art on my website rewonshimray.com, where you can subscribe to my posts.
My current body of work focuses on my religious upbringing, using my personal experiences and critiques of Western Christianity to analyze how conservative theology continues to limit tolerance of difference—and how that impacts both interpersonal relationships and larger socio-political issues. With this collection, I hope to spark dialogue between people with opposing ideologies.
Houston-born, Austin-based artist Luya, aka Hierba Malita, refuses to be put in a box. She’s a visual artist, DJ, event producer and founder of the creative collective FLWRPOT.CO—a community rooted in collaboration, experimentation, and shared growth. Whether she’s spinning at a party or sketching in her notebook, her creative practice is about resonance: expressing what can’t always be said, and reminding people they’re not alone in what they feel.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
Resonance. It’s a word I love so much that I named one of my favorite radio shows after it. My work is about feeling things for what they are, and expressing gratitude for the journey that comes with it. Whether through sound or visuals, I hope my art makes someone feel a little less alone or lost.
To make art is to experience it, and to experience it is to be it. We’re all a lot more alike than we think, and our journeys are more intertwined than we expect.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
Community shows up any time I share my art with someone. I keep in mind that I’m not the only one going through life. That’s why I created FLWRPOT.CO—to build a space where creatives could bring their ideas to life through real support, mutual encouragement, and accountability. That community has helped me keep going
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
I find those nameless feelings that linger around my soul—and I lean into them. Then I free them onto a canvas, a DAW, an instrument, a journal—whatever medium I need. Letting those emotions out is the only way to be free from them.
I’ve learned to accept that those feelings are mine to own and release. They’re not a burden—they’re tools to create with.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
Stop waiting for the right time.
Stop making excuses.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself.
You were gifted with a vision for a reason. If you really want it, make yourself ready. Grow. Be consistent. Be unafraid. Don’t stop. And one day, when you turn around and look back—you’ll see how far you’ve come.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
I love anytime people come out to my shows—those connections mean everything. I try to post about them on Instagram (@hierbamalita). You can also check out my work on hierbamalita.com.
I’m also releasing original music this year... and not on some DJ shit either. Huge shoutout to my bestie and producer Woot <3
Meet Liz Moskowitz, a photographer and filmmaker whose work gently invites us into moments of transformation—across landscapes, lives, and histories. With a deep commitment to compassionate storytelling, Liz uses her lens to make space for complex narratives around social justice, urban change, healing, and hope.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
I’m often drawn to stories that might otherwise go untold. Some topics I’ve explored include access to mental health services in rural areas, criminal justice reform, climate resilience, and the cultural consequences of urban development.
There’s a meditative quality to the way I document these themes—an open question behind the camera:
How can I visually examine challenges, joy, trauma, healing, grief, and hope with integrity?
In every project, I’m seeking to create work that is honest and respectful, while leaving space for curiosity and deeper understanding.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
Community shows up at every step. The people I photograph, the issues I follow, the moments I witness—these all stem from a sense of shared experience, even across different places or perspectives.
Many of my projects look at a community undergoing some kind of shift: a highway expansion, a cultural displacement, a recovery process. The work becomes both a documentation and a time capsule. My hope is always to reflect those changes with care and offer the people involved a way to tell their side of the story.
When the work is exhibited, whether in a gallery or online, that concept of community expands to include the viewer. I want people to not only see the work but feel connected to it—like they’re part of the story, too.
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
Ideas come to me organically. It might be something I see while driving, a line in a book, or a news story that sparks deeper questions. I try not to force creativity—it really needs to feel like something I have to make.
Once a project takes root, I move slowly. I love the research, the one-on-one conversations, and even the more technical elements—scanning film, editing photos. Those tactile parts of the process help me stay grounded and connected to the work.
And when self-doubt creeps in (because it always does!), I remind myself: this work isn’t about me. I’m just a vessel for the story.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
We all get stuck. That frozen creative state? I’ve been there. But the most important thing is to start—even if you don’t feel totally ready.
Believe in your ideas enough to bring them to life. If you don’t know how to begin, reach out. Ask questions. Connect with others. Learning happens in the doing, and in the sharing.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
Right now, I’m working on ways to further share my documentary photo series “A Path of Impermanence: life along a highway expansion”—a project centered around the I-35 expansion in Austin.
I’m also finishing up editing a short documentary I co-directed called Love is a Forcefield, which I hope will premiere at festivals in 2026.
There are a few new photo ideas percolating too, and I’m exploring new mediums in my practice. It’s been exciting to be in student mode again.
You can follow my work and upcoming updates on my website and Instagram.
Bright, bold, and community-rooted, Dana Brown is a vinyl DJ and the founder of Queer Vinyl Collective, a grassroots organization amplifying queer voices through music in Austin and beyond. Since diving into professional DJing just three years ago, Dana has grown QVC into a vibrant space for connection and visibility—especially for queer and trans women. Their sets are a playful, nostalgic blend of sound and soul, and their mission is all about reshaping who gets to feel seen behind the decks.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
I think the most recurring theme and focus of my work as a creative is about uplifting queer voices. There’s an unending body of fantastic queer artists that I am driven to highlight in my work as a DJ, and it’s a pleasure to find new ways and new talent to explore sonically. There’s always more we can do to shine a light on underrepresented groups, and even with the vast pool of talent to draw from, there’s a joy in seeking out lesser known artists and highlighting their work in what I do.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
I run a community-driven organization which serves as a key element of what I do as a DJ and creative. So really, community is at the heart of what I do. Each DJ set I do is another chance to be out connecting and spreading the word about QVC as an organization and enhancing our depth as a safe space in the music community here. We are thrilled to host so many events that are focused on amplifying queer talent, and we collaborate with likeminded orgs and other grassroots community groups that share that excitement. Together we’re better!
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
To get into a creative headspace, I lean to those that inspire me in the space. It can often be something simple like throwing on a record or listening to a podcast from a musician or DJ I admire. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I can catch a friend spinning out somewhere and then take that energy back to the studio. Then, using this inspiration, I choose to practice little elements of the skills I’m hoping to learn or hone, or try out some new tricks I’ve tapped into from before. It doesn’t always go well, but sometimes I surprise myself with really fun growth opportunities.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
Keep producing and practicing your craft, even if it feels like you’re not growing at the rate you wish. It often takes so many stumbles and hiccups to push through to new stages of creativity. I found implementing dedicated moments of time into my schedule has been deeply impactful to my growth as a creative.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
QVC is launching Vinyl DJ training courses this Spring! We’re very excited about this new avenue to connect with music lovers and vinyl enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, we are hoping to provide a welcoming atmosphere to learn all the in’s and out’s of Vinyl DJing. To learn more about these courses and follow all our other shenanigans, I always point folks to our website queervinyl.co and our Instagram page @queervinylco. We’re very friendly :)
From coloring her bedroom walls as a kid in Buda to painting murals across Austin, Victoria (Vic) has always used creativity as a way to process the world around her. A self-taught painter whose work lives at the intersection of vulnerability and connection, she brings body parts, animals, and organic forms together in surreal compositions that reflect the complex emotions of being human—and often, of feeling out of place.
Q — What themes do you explore within your work and why?
I often explore what it feels like to be awkward, blocked, or disconnected—especially socially. I love meeting people, but I’m introverted, and sometimes that tension makes me feel out of place. My art lets me express that.
You’ll see recurring imagery like body parts (arms, hands, eyes), nature, and animals in my pieces. I combine things that feel broken or mismatched to show that even when things seem out of place, they can still come together to create something beautiful. Themes like connection, difference, and healing from trauma also show up, always through that mix of nature and body.
Q — Where does community show up in your creative work? What does that mean to you?
Community is everything. For a long time, I let amazing opportunities pass me by because I felt like I wasn’t good enough. But the conversations and encouragement I’ve had with people in the community are what gave me the courage to take up more space—to say yes to larger projects, murals, public art.
It means everything when people connect with my work. That’s what keeps me going and pushes me to create even bigger. I’ve loved getting to collaborate with local orgs like ATX Free Fridge, and I was able to create a food stand at Holiday on 7th, which was such a meaningful experience.
Q — How do you get into a creative headspace? Give us a glimpse into the way you create.
It’s gotten harder as I’ve gotten older and taken on more responsibilities. I work full-time in a corporate role, so finding time and energy to create, rest, and still do the physical activities I love can be a lot.
When I do find time, I try not to pressure myself. Journaling, listening to music, and doodling are how I get new ideas. Sometimes I’ll just lay down and listen to music—and I start to see a painting in my head. Then it turns into a sketch, and eventually into a finished piece. That part still feels magical to me.
Q — What advice do you have for other artists and creatives on making work right now?
Just keep going. Don’t create for other people—create for yourself. It can be disheartening when it feels like your work isn’t landing. But when it does connect with someone, when someone sees a part of themselves in what you made, it’s the best feeling. Stay true to your voice.
Q — What projects do you have coming up, and where can people keep up with your work?
I just recently finished designing a t-shirt for Golden Mean's 2 year anniversary (a shop here in Austin), 10% of sales will be donated to ATX Free Fridge Project. The shirt can be found both on their website and mine! I am also currently working on my largest commission to date.
I will be painting 3 paintings for a building in Austin and more details will be posted on my website after installation (shout out Honeywood for building my canvases). I am really looking forward to this project since it will be animal themed and I will be able to include my soul dog who recently passed early February of this year and my other dog.
So this project has a really special place in my heart. The best way to keep up with my work is on Instagram and my website!