Bisa Butler

Synopsis

A beautifully illustrated look at the work of one of today's most exciting artists
 
Bisa Butler (b. 1973) is an American artist who creates arresting and psychologically nuanced portraits composed entirely of vibrantly colored and patterned fabrics that she cuts, layers, and stitches together. Often depicting scenes from African American life and history, Butler invites viewers to invest in the lives of the people she represents while simultaneously expanding art-historical narratives about American quiltmaking. Situating her interdisciplinary work within the broader history of textiles, photography, and contemporary art, contributions by a group of scholars-and entries by the artist herself-illuminate Butler's approach to color, use of African-print fabrics, and wide-ranging sources of inspiration. Offering an in-depth exploration of one of America's most innovative contemporary artists, this volume will serve as a primary resource that both introduces Butler's work and establishes a scholarly foundation for future research.
 
Distributed for the Art Institute of Chicago
 
Exhibition Schedule:
 

Katonah Museum of Art, New York
(March 15-October 4, 2020)
 
Art Institute of Chicago
(November 14, 2020-September 6, 2021)

Summary

Chapter 1: Seeds of Inspiration

* Explores Bisa Butler's early life and influences, focusing on her childhood in New Jersey and her exposure to African American history and quilting traditions.
* Example: Butler recalls her grandmother sharing stories about quilting and how the patterns and fabrics held cultural significance.

Chapter 2: The Art of Storytelling

* Examines Butler's approach to creating narrative tapestries, discussing her use of multiple figures, symbols, and historical research.
* Example: Butler's "The Quilted Life of Harriet Tubman" depicts the legendary abolitionist's journey and accomplishments through a series of scenes.

Chapter 3: Fabric and History

* Details Butler's intricate process of selecting and working with fabrics, highlighting her use of found materials and her ability to evoke emotions through texture and color.
* Example: Butler's "Mosaic of America" utilizes vintage fabrics from different eras to create a patchwork that reflects the country's diverse history.

Chapter 4: Quilting as Activism

* Explores Butler's use of quilting as a form of activism, addressing social and political issues through her work.
* Example: Butler's "The March" depicts the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, highlighting the struggle for civil rights.

Chapter 5: The Power of the Thread

* Delves into the symbolism and metaphorical aspects of Butler's quilting, discussing how she uses thread to connect people, stories, and generations.
* Example: Butler's "Threading the Generations" portrays a line of women sewing together, representing the passing down of traditions and knowledge.

Chapter 6: Recognition and Legacy

* Documents Butler's growing recognition and influence within the art world, highlighting exhibitions, awards, and her impact on contemporary quilt artists.
* Example: Butler's works have been featured in prestigious museums and galleries, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Chapter 7: Inspiration and Impact

* Concludes by discussing Butler's ongoing inspiration and the transformative power of her art, exploring its impact on viewers and its contribution to the understanding of African American history and culture.
* Example: Butler's quilts have fostered dialogue, sparked conversations, and encouraged a new appreciation for the art of quilting.