Sisters (detail)
ArtistBisa Butlerpaints with fabric.
Using a variety of fabrics, Butler employs a painterly approach to how she produces her work.
Once everything is pieced together, Butler uses a long arm quilting machine to stitch it in place.
“Sisters” (detail)
In creating her monumental quilt art, Butler is bringing history to light.
My community has been marginalized for hundreds of years,she writes in her artist statement.
It is only a few years ago that it was acknowledged that the White House was built by slaves.
“Sisters” (detail)
Butler is both fascinated by and feels connected to the folks she depicts.
I am expressing what I believe is the equal value of all humans.
“The Warmth of Other Sons” (detail)
“Wangari Maathai (for TIME Magazine),” 2020 (cotton, silk, wool and velvet quilted and appliqué | 20 x 30 in)
“Asantewa,” 2020 (cotton, silk, wool and velvet quilted and appliqué | 52 x 88 x 2 in)
“Asantewa” (detail)
“Daughter of the Dust,” (detail) 2020 (cotton, silk, wool and velvet quilted and appliqué | 58 x 83 x 2 in)
“The Storm, The Whirlwind, and the Earthquake,” (detail) 2020 (cotton, silk, wool and velvet quilted and appliqué | 50 x 85 x 2 in)
“Africa The Land Of Hope and Promise For Negro People’s of the World,” 2020 (cotton, silk, wool and velvet quilted and appliqué | 52 x 88 x 2 in)
“Africa The Land Of Hope and Promise For Negro People’s of the World” (detail)
“Zouave,” 2020 (cotton, silk, wool and velvet quilted and appliqué | 54 x 88 x 2 in)
“Zouave” (detail)
