The Saturday Book Shop: Bisa Butler—Portraits
I am in awe of Bisa’s Butler’s art. Her work creates stunning and powerful portraits made from myriad vibrant fabrics and patterns, cut and stitched together with meaning and a depth that almost defies description. Her portraits speak of a multitude of life layers, generations, and experiences that are expertly woven into a new picture both moving and mesmerizing in its depth and humanity.
Bisa Butler—Portraits was published in conjunction with an exhibit by the same name that opened at the Art Institute of Chicago last fall, and where it continues through September 6, 2021.
The catalogue is exquisitely done. 96 beautiful pages of Butler’s incredible art, along with wonderful essays focusing on her influences, process, and stories held within the individual art pieces. Printed in Italy. Hardbound. This book leaves you feeling as if you almost got to be at the exhibit. Always better to get to see original art in person, but this book brings me closer, and I’m grateful for it during this time.
Bisa Butler’s work is a treasure. This catalogue captures both the intricacies of her art and how her work illuminates the family album of humanity.
Thank you for being here at The Saturday Book Shop for a few minutes during this holiday weekend amidst Easter — Passover — and Springtime celebrations of the Revival and Renewal of The Spirit. Hallelujah! ❤️🙏🏼❤️
Tags: art catalogue, Art Institute of Chicago, Bisa Butler, Bisa Butler exhibition, Bisa Butler—Portraits, black lives, book, fabric art, family album, humanity, portraits, textile art
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Paula's Paradise 
April 4, 2021 at 10:40 am
Wow — the history here absolutely glows, even though photos don’t come close to doing justice to the layers and textures. I can easily imagine these people walking under a hot Southern sky a century ago, holding onto their hope and faith while awaiting better times. Happy Easter!
April 4, 2021 at 12:13 pm
Meg—thanks so much. Love what you said about the history. Yes, her narratives do glow and give such a fullness to the heritage stories. Just found a digital walk-through link this morning that allows you to see more of the detail on the pieces. Will include it here. Thanks again for your note & Happy Easter to you & yours! 💜🙏🏼💜 https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=9kkTDYY9nY1&back=1
April 4, 2021 at 12:14 pm
Digital walk-through of Bisa Butler art on view last year at Claire Oliver Gallery:
https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=9kkTDYY9nY1&back=1