Artwork copyright James Allen. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright James Allen. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, by Yakima Valley Photography, 2021.

Artwork copyright James Allen. Photo courtesy of the curator, Cozette Phillips, 2021.

Butterfly Habitat, 2019

James Allen
(American, born 1977)

Location: Ridgeview Elementary, Yakima

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Butterfly Habitat is a "book excavation" by artist James Allen. In his book excavations, Allen takes found books and carves into them to reveal the existing content in new ways. He does not add to or manipulate the books, and all of the pages are still bound in their original format.

The images in Butterfly Habitat are inspired by the shadow box constructions of the same name by artist Joseph Cornell (1903-1972). Cornell has been an inspiration to Allen since he was a young artist. He first saw Cornell's shadowbox constructions made of found objects at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Nature books are also a constant source of inspiration for Allen. He notes, “It’s important now more than ever to recognize and appreciate the biodiversity we are surrounded with on this planet. I hope that Butterfly Habitat art will inspire people to take an interest in learning more about the 17,500 different species of butterflies and over 360,000 flowering plants known to man.”

This artwork is part of a curated collection by Cozette Phillips in April 2021 at Ridgeview Elementary, in Yakima, Central Washington. Phillips worked with the local art selection committee, who wanted art that reflects their farming communities, their relationship with nature, and the largely Hispanic student body. The artworks are soothing and peaceful for a community that works hard.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

James Allen creates sculptures, which he calls "Book Excavations," by carving into found books to reveal existing content in new ways. He does not add to or manipulate the books, and all of the pages are still bound in their original format.
Allen earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2000. He is based in Portland, Oregon.