Bisa Butler Creates Stunning Quilts Capturing Narratives of Black Life in America

Sharing this absolutely stunning show: 'Bisa Butler: Portraits' at the Art Institute of Chicago. Butler's first solo museum show brings us over 20 vibrant and intricate quilts. Butler's attention to detail lends a painterly quality to her quilted creations. When it comes to her subjects, Butler draws from life, often referencing old black and white photographs to reimagine historical narratives of Black life.

The exhibit has recently been extended through September 6, 2021. On view in person at the Art Institute of Chicago with abundant online components including images of the work, a video from the artist and a playlist curated by Butler and her husband, (long time DJ) an audio/visual accompaniment to the quilts.

View exhibit overview below:

Read more about the people of Bisa Butler’s quilts:

In accompaniment to the exhibition, Butler and her husband (long time DJ) have curated a playlist of songs which reflect individual works of Butler’s. This dual audio/visual experience invites the viewer to experience Butler’s quits as enhanced and reflected by the song choices. For example Anaya with Oranges, 2017, the quilted image of a young girl standing defiantly with arms crossed against a backdrop of oranges is accompanied by Aretha Franklin classic ‘Young, Gifted and Black’.

Image: The Broom Jumpers, 2019, courtesy of The Art Institute of Chicago and Bisa Butler