Artist Description/Statement:

My paintings focus on a Southwestern aesthetic that incorporates traditional Adobe earthen architecture found throughout Northern New Mexico and other parts of the southwest as well as landscapes that can be found far from any major road. I focus on the traditional dwellings which have stood the test of time which have a major historical relevance to the story being told about the Southwest and Northern New Mexico. Through the use of oil and acrylic mediums I convey my message utilizing light, shadow and simple forms to create an ethereal, and serenely quiet feeling for my viewers. I conceptualize the building materials that make up traditional Adobe architecture as well as the spirit of the inhabitants that once lived in them. Through the iconic symbolism of the Adobe structure and use of colorism, I start breaking down imagery to simpler forms and pigments to emulate the earth and mud used in the creation of these enduring structures. Through tone and form I create a striking, yet gentle feel that brings warmth to the land and calmness towards the shadows.

Bio:

Brian Taaffe-Cordova, is a multidisciplinary artist that graduated with his BFA from, The Institute of American Indian Arts with a focus in painting and printmaking. His family comes from the “Red Willow People” of Taos Pueblo. Growing up, he spent his childhood splitting his time between Taos Pueblo with his grandmother and cousins and Santa Fe, New Mexico where he went to school. In addition Taaffe-Cordova has ties to Hawaii, living half his life on the windward side of the Island of Oahu. Having learned at a young age how to create art in both 2D and 3D mediums, pottery was his first introduction into the fine art world. While living in Hawaii he started painting Pueblo architecture, stating that he missed his family and that it brought him a little bit closer to home. Taaffe-Cordova has had numerous showings, with one of his last exhibitions being a solo show titled, “Adobe Spirituals” in the Lloyd Kiva New Gallery at, The Museum of Contemporary Native Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Recently, Taaffe-Cordova was asked to take part in the “8 Northern Pueblos Residency” at Ghost Ranch, New Mexico and will be part of a year-long showing at The Ruth Hall Museum of Paleontology. Brian plans to seek his Masters in Fine Art and keep creating well into the future.

Brian.Taaffe@IAIA.edu