PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jennifer Yribar, Outreach & Education Coordinator
208.608.7051, jyribar@cityofboise.org
WEB ADDRESS: www.boiseartsandhistory.org
October 20, 2021
Boise Artist John Taye Gifts 12 Paintings Depicting Downtown Boise to City of Boise
Boise, ID – It is with sincere gratitude that the City of Boise announces the generous gift of 12 works of art from Boise artist John Taye. The series of paintings titled, City Shapes: A Painter’s View of Downtown Boise, depicts some of the changing facets of the downtown environment. The works represent a profound addition to the Boise Visual Chronicle collection, which serves to represent prominent local artists and artworks, together celebrating life in Boise.
“The paintings are creative in their vision, historic in their documentation of a changing downtown, and significant as a research project,” said Mayor Lauren McLean. “These will join and be displayed amongst artworks in the collection that speak to the impact that art can have in shaping our perspective of the place we live and the values we carry.”
Funded by a grant from Boise State University in 1979 and not on view since their original exhibition at the Alexander House 40 years ago, Taye’s vibrant works portray the contrasts of downtown Boise, juxtaposing old and new architecture, the browns, tans, reds, and oranges of historic structures with the grays and blues of concrete, glass, and steel buildings, and vertical and horizontal forms. Touches of bright colors appear in signs and store fronts, with a recurring cloudless blue sky.
Of this body of work, Taye says:
“The downtown area is a somewhat chaotic place visually; I suppose that is the nature of any city, put together on a piecemeal basis. But at the same time, it is a very fertile place for a painter looking for colors, shapes, and textures.”
Taye’s paintings are now on view in the Boise City Hall Lobby, open during regular hours. The public may also browse the works online: https://www.boiseartsandhistory.org/explore/collections/
About the Boise City Department of Arts & History
The Department of Arts & History’s mission is to provide leadership, advocacy, education, services, and support for Arts and History to preserve Boise’s character and enhance our community’s quality of life. We envision a city where everyone has access to art and history, and the opportunity to pursue and experience Boise through a variety of cultural offerings. More information: www.boiseartsandhistory.org
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