Hartford muralist Tao LaBossiere died suddenly Tuesday. He was known for paintings on churches, restaurants and the sides of buildings, as well as for his kindness and wisdom. On Wednesday, many from the Hartford arts community mourned him, with one saying, “Hartford, CT is so much more beautiful because you were here.”
His wife Amy posted news of his death on Facebook Wednesday.
LaBossiere, who did mixed media artwork and sculptures as well as murals, worked together with Amy LaBossiere under the name The Art of Tao LaBossiere to create dozens of murals in the Hartford area.
The largest, “The Oneness of Being of Still Waters,” at 289 Asylum St., portrays a New England painted turtle on the side of a building in the city. Introducing it to the city in a Facebook group in February, LaBossiere explained the mural is about, “the experience of when we submerge underwater and hold our breath until all the stress, anxiety, and fear dissipates into the water around us and us replaced with inner calm and serenity and renewed spiritual understanding that everything will be ok.” The turtle, he said, “is a metaphor for Hartford’s growing art culture, and each of our own personal experiences rising up from the darkness into the light.”
In August, LaBossiere completed a work of public art from a fallen White Oak in Bushnell Park. The “White Oak Leaf Throne” is carved out of the Hoadley Oak tree, a reported direct descendant of Connecticut’s Charter Oak.
He invited the public to enjoy his art and perhaps meditate there.
“This project has been a journey of honoring the past while creating something that will inspire future generations,” LaBossiere said for the unveiling. “The White Oak Leaf Throne is the realization of my vision to repurpose a once-mighty tree into a work of art that continues to live on in our community.”
LaBossiere was diagnosed as needing open heart surgery in 2013 and the arts community rallied around him to help pay for the surgery.
In a Facebook tribute for LaBossiere’s birthday, the Greater Hartford Arts Council wrote that his work transforms spaces. “Tao’s murals are an explosion of creativity that invites viewers to see the world from a fresh perspective. Tao’s mission is to provoke interaction and inspire self-reflection and inner growth, making each piece a significant and transformative experience,” the GHAC said.
Matt Conway, CEO of the RiseUp Group behind most of the murals in the area, worked frequently with LaBossiere.
“Tao was part of the heart of Hartford’s art community,” Conway said. “I personally learned so much from Tao. I was always blown away by his creative thought process and the detail and love he put into every project. He will be greatly missed as a friend and colleague.
The West Hartford Arts Emporium said “the colors of the world are a little more dim,” with news of his death.
“Tao was a wonderful ambassador of the Hartford artist community, an extremely talented artist, and a kind and generous human being. We are better for having known him. Thank you for inspiring us, Tao.”
Lydell Brown, CEO of The 224 EcoSpace, where LaBossiere painted “Bee the Change,” remembered him in a statement Wednesday.
“Tao LaBossiere was a remarkable artist and human being whose profound impact on the city of Hartford remains a testament to his creative vision and dedication to the arts,” Brown said. “Through his innovative works and community engagement, he inspired countless individuals and enriched the cultural landscape of Hartford. LaBossiere’s legacy lives on, fostering a spirit of creativity and collaboration that continues to influence future generations of artists and residents alike.”
Tao LaBossier’s artwork can be found at the following places, according to a partial list from his website:
The Oneness of Being in Still Waters (aka Turtle Mural) Hartford, CT
Bee the Change — Large Scale Mixed Media Mural at The 224 EcoSpace, Hartford, CT
Salute 2 Restaurant — Various Interior Murals
Wagging Tails Dog Park Large Interior Mural, West Hartford, CT
Joey Garlic’s Logo Mural — Newington and Manchester locations
Playhouse on Park Mural, temporary, West Hartford, CT
J’s Crabshack — Large Exterior Mural in Hartford, CT
Xfinity Theater — Exterior Graffiti Mural, Hartford, CT
The 224EcoSpace — Large-Scale Community Mural
Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ — Large Exterior Mural and brand-themed fine art paintings and prints
Uncas Elementary School — Interior Library Mural, Uncasville, CT
The Place 2 Be — Interior hand-painted wall artwork, Hartford, CT
Still Hill Brewery — Large Interior Mural, Rocky Hill, CT
Welcome Home, Community Mural at Scott’s Jamaican Bakery in North Hartford, CT
St Mary’s Home: Everlasting Spring in the Secret Garden Large Exterior Mural, West Hartford, CT
Pond House Café: Tribute to Elizabeth Park Rose Vine Interior Mural
Old State House: Two Historic Character Cut-Outs and Public Art Sidewalk Murals
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Publish date : 2024-08-28 07:10:00
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