Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love

from the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

Curated from the collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, Jeffrey Gibson: They Teach Love presents a survey of 53 artworks by Jeffrey Gibson, one of today’s foremost contemporary American artists. Spanning sixteen years, this major exhibition bursts with Gibson’s bold patterns and brilliant colors. Gibson, who is of Mississippi Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, blends aspects of Indigenous art and culture with modernist art traditions, navigating and disrupting expectations placed upon Indigenous artists, and bringing messages of hope. By uniting sculpture, paintings, prints, and video with elk hides, tipi poles, wool blankets, beadwork, and fringe, the artist empowers Native American cultures. Punching bags, flags, banners, and illuminated signs are adorned and converted from utilitarian items to art objects that vibrate with spiritual power, carrying his belief that objects, and people alike, have the potential for radical transformation.

Boise Art Museum timed this exhibition to coincide with the 250^th anniversary of the non-partisan, nationwide America250 celebration. During this milestone moment, Gibson’s vibrant and powerful voice will continue to broaden the view of American art history, contemporary times, and our future. Jeffrey Gibson is a pre-eminent artist who is significantly contributing to the American art canon today. He is the first Indigenous artist to represent the U.S. with a solo presentation at the Venice Biennale (2024).

Curated by Ryan Hardesty, Executive Director and Curator of Exhibitions and Collections,
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Washington State University