Bisa Butler and a History of African American Quilting Practices

Publication Date

Spring 4-2025

Presentation Length

15 minutes

College

Watkins College of Art

Department

Art, Department of

Student Level

Undergraduate

SPARK Category

Scholarship

Faculty Advisor

Judy Bullington

WELL Core Type

Intellectual Wellness

Metadata/Fulltext

Metadata ONLY

SPARK Session

Dr. Bullington's Art History Group, from 3:15-4:15

Presentation Type

Talk/Oral

Summary

This talk aims to discuss the relationship between the contemporary fiber artist Bisa Butler and a history of Black American quilting dating back hundreds of years. It will look at Butler’s current body of work and stated modern and contemporary artistic and personal inspirations like that of Faith Ringgold and her own family. Additionally, it will explore the history and traditions of African American quilting practices like strip quilting and album quilts that exist within the natural progression that leads us to works like Butler’s. Looking at these works through the lens of conversations around fine or ‘high’ art and art deemed ‘low’ art or arts and crafts will provide an additional layer of complexity as many of these initial quilts were never made with museums in mind, while Butler’s work has been seen in exhibitions all across the country. By providing an overview of Butler’s work as well as its conscious and subconscious elements within a history of Black American quilting, this talk will seek to synthesize an understanding of the practice of quilting within contemporary art and within Butler’s body of work.

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