Wanxin Zhang: A Ten Year Survey

May 22 – September 19, 2010

This exhibition will feature a series of larger-than-life ceramic figures by Chinese artist Wanxin Zhang. Inpired by the 8,000 clay soldiers of the Qin terra cotta army unearthed in Xian, China, in 1974, Zhang’s large-scale terra cotta warriors appear to cross over from history into today’s culture. Zhang’s figures are marked by a melding of cultures in manner of dress, hair fashion and appearance. While drawn from Chinese sculptural traditions, each figure has its own distinct personality and is imbued with peculiarities such as contemporary apparel, wire-rim glasses, a tie or binoculars. Zhang’s work combines ancient Chinese tradition with 21st century way of life. Wanxin Zhang lives and works in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Organized by Arizona State University Art Museum

Sponsored by

Wanxin Zhang, Poet of Battlefield, 2000,
Fired clay and pigment, 12 " x 14 " x 42".
Photo courtesy of Arizona State University.

Birds of a Feather:
Selections from Boise Art Museum's Permanent Collection, The Collection of Driek and Michael Zirinsky,
and other Community Lenders

June 12 – October 3, 2010

Birds of a Feather features contemporary artists who work in a variety of styles, highlighting common, rare or endangered bird species in contemporary art. The range of images extends from fanciful to realist expressions and includes paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture, and installation art. Works by Idaho artists Kirsten Furlong, Randy Van Dyck, and Stephanie Wilde, along with art from BAM’s permanent collection, will offer a present-day counterpoint to the exhibition John James Audubon: American Artist and Naturalist.

Organized by the Boise Art Museum

Tony Fitzpatrick, The Lost Vegas Bird, 1994, five-color etching,
Gift of Wilfred Davis Fletcher, Boise Art Museum Permanent Collection.

Full Circle
Artwork from the Permanent Collection

April 3 – October 31, 2010

The circle is the most universal of all symbols. Artworks from BAM’s Permanent Collection will be selected to examine how artists use the circle or sphere as an element in developing two-dimensional compositions and three-dimensional forms. A selection of new permanent collection artworks along with traditional favorites will be presented in the exhibition. Artists whose works will be highlighted include Grace Knowlton, Robert Rauschenberg, Sam Francis, Ron Davis and Jeffrey Simmons.

Jeffrey Simmons, Janet's Yellow, 1999,
oil and alkyd on canvas, 61" x 60",
Collection of the Boise Art Museum,
Gift of Ben and Aileen Krohn