Messages by Joyce J. Scott in Brockton

Artist list

Joyce J. Scott

Each remarkable work of art meticulously hand wrought by Joyce J. Scott embodies the messages she hopes to impress upon viewers. Scott crafts wearable art and sculptures to communicate the difficult and ugly issues found throughout society that are often too easy to make invisible. Scott intends for her art to resonate with the viewer through the confrontation and challenging of stereotypes. Art is an important way in which conversations about difficult topics can be initiated and the tactile and personal nature of Scott’s creations invoke a range of responses as she aims to provoke and incite action through her art. Scott wants her messages, her art, to live within viewers, to change them in some way, and cause action to fight against systemic racism, misogyny, and stereotypes.

Joyce J. Scott is a dynamic artist and performer, best known for her use of beadwork as her artistic medium of choice. Scott uses beads to create highly detailed intricate three-dimensional sculptures and neckpieces that are commentaries on a range of subjects: racism, misogyny, equality, her heritage, and much more. Art has always surrounded Scott, a native of Baltimore, Maryland, where she still lives. She grew up learning from and watching her mother, fiber artist Elizabeth Talford Scott, create uniquely stitched quilts, a skill Elizabeth learned from her mother, and she draws greatly on the artistic heritage of her family and culture. Her beadwork uses those traditional techniques to address contemporary issues in a bold and confrontational manner, creating works of art that are both beautiful and significant. Scott was named a MacArthur Fellow, also known as the MacArthur “Genius Grant”, in 2016, solidifying her status as an important contemporary American artist whose creations continue to push artistic boundaries. Each work of art on exhibit speaks to Scott’s ability with such an intricate medium and demonstrates her commitment to using beads to explore the difficult subjects in society that confront Black Americans.

University Museums is honored to include such an important and dynamic artist within the permanent collection. Joyce J. Scott: Messages allows for further exploration of her as an artist and activist, with a survey of her long and successful career in American art and craft.

>> This exhibition is organized by Mobilia Gallery.

Exhibition venues:
- June 24 - November 5, 2023, Fuller Craft Museum, Brockton, MA
- January 28 - June 23, 2024, Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA

Curated by Libby Cooper and Jo Anne Cooper, co-directors of Mobilia Gallery 348 Huron Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
For more information about the artist and images contact Mobilia Gallery:
Email: mobiliagallery@gmail.com
Phone: 617-429-5600 / 617-876-2109
https://www.mobilia-gallery.com

Admission is free.

Hours
Monday:Closed
Tuesday:10AM – 5PM
Wednesday:10AM – 5PM
Thursday:10AM – 5PM
Friday:10AM – 5PM
Saturday:10AM – 5PM
Sunday:10AM – 5PM

Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Open from 10AM – 3PM on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.