Curating the West
What event (gallery show, museum exhibit, etc.) in the next few months are you looking forward to, and why?
In November, the Boise Art Museum is celebrating the opening of an original glass exhibition, A New State of Matter: Contemporary Glass, featuring contemporary artists who are pushing the boundaries of the medium. Our community has shown a keen interest in glass, and I believe they will be surprised and inspired by what they experience in the exhibition.
What are you reading?
I just finished reading a book called The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly: A Novel, authored by Sun-mi Hwang and illustrated by Nomoco. It is a short fable that kept my attention and made me want to finish it in one sitting. It has universal themes told in a simple way through its animal characters. I particularly appreciated the illustrations.
Interesting exhibit, gallery opening or work of art you’ve seen recently.
Recently I had the good fortune of visiting the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery as well as the Renwick in Washington, D.C. SAAM’S folk art collection display was so impressive, and the Renwick’s installation of the Burning Man exhibition was overwhelmingly stunning. It was a special thrill to experience in person Kehinde Wiley’s portrait of President Obama, especially since we had hosted Kehinde in Boise in 2013 in conjunction with an exhibition at BAM entitled The World Stage: Israel.
What are you researching at the moment?
I am currently researching doughnuts! In January, we are showcasing 480 ceramic doughnuts on the 80-foot wall of BAM’S Sculpture Court. The doughnuts are being created for the installation by South Korean artist Jae Yong Kim. I am researching the artist’s interest and intent as well as the significance of this common, everyday treat in society.
What is your dream exhibit to curate? Or see someone else curate?
In BAM’S history, we have not shared an American impressionism exhibition.
I am thrilled that our curator, Nicole Herden, is curating an original exhibition for the Boise Art Museum that will focus on impressionism in the Northwest.