Date of Award
5-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Art
Department
Art
First Advisor
Trenton Olsen
Second Advisor
Stefanie Snider
Third Advisor
Jonathan Walz
Abstract
This thesis examines how Bisa Butler creates meaning through the materiality in her quilted portraits. Bisa Butler is of West African and American descent and incorporates part of her own identity in her quilted portraits using Dutch wax prints and other highly patterned textiles. Not only does Butler connect her identity in her quilted portraits, but she also connects the meaning of these textiles to the figures in her portraits. This thesis explores the materiality of Bisa Butler’s Colored Entrance (2023), along with The Passion of Questlove (2023) and Grandpa Zakani (2004), to argue that in this new development of her artistic production, Butler creates intentionality by incorporating specific materials that further advance the meaning of her works.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Jacqueline D’Arco, "Meaning Through Materiality: Bisa Butler’s Expressive Portraits" (2024). Theses. 1006.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/theses/1006
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