Exhibitions

Felix Gonzalez-Torres was known for his minimalist, often conceptual, installations and sculptures that assembled quantities of a common object, such as a string of lights, stack of paper, or individually wrapped candy, to convey complex meaning and encourage audience participation. Through the manner of displaying the artwork, along with the process of the viewer’s participation, each work became a metaphor for loss and healing, as seen in light bulbs that expire and are replaced, or as papers or candies are taken by visitors and replenished by the art museum. This cycle of depletion and renewal over time is key to the visitor’s experience with, and understanding of, Gonzalez-Torres’s creative practice.

Stephen Towns is a painter and fiber artist whose artwork explores the ways American history influences contemporary society. His work draws visual inspiration from medieval altarpieces, nineteenth-century photography, Dutch wax print fabrics, and from African American story quilt. Guest curated by art historian, cultural producer, and writer Kilolo Luckett, the exhibition features artwork created between 2014 and 2021 that explores the American dream through the lives of Black Americans from the late eighteenth century to present.

Often considered the art of imitation, the depiction of the still life has been practiced by artists for centuries. From the ancient Greeks to 17th century Dutch painters, from Cubists to today’s contemporary artists, still life endures as a significant form of artistic expression—one that is contemplative and transformative—yet frequently overlooked.

Re-Framed examines the notion of a shared American identity while recognizing the complexity of factors that determine each person’s cultural and social viewpoints. Featuring many never before shown artworks from the Permanent Collection, Re-Framed presents a multiplicity of artists who offer meaningful insights….

Displayed in BAM’s ARTexperience Gallery, a space designed for children and families, the exhibition highlights a selection of artworks, featuring the use of non-traditional media in surprising and creative ways. One of the most important and personal decisions an artist makes when creating an artwork is the choice of medium. The medium is crucial to….

Outside the Lines is the fourth and final exhibition inspired by Boise Art Museum’s Art Cards, a project designed to encourage engagement with artworks in BAM’s Permanent Collection. Based on the Art Card deck True Colors, this exhibition explores the ways in which artists employ the elements of art and principles of design to convey mood, provoke emotional responses, and communicate with viewers.