Bisa Butler

Bisa Butler is a Master of Fine Art graduate of Howard University in Washington D.C., and has moved from painting, her study subject, to textiles. Each of her portraits employs used clothing from Ghana, her father's home country, as well as from other African countries. 

The pieces in her portraits are cut, pieced and sewn, and quilted, using traditional methods of construction as a cultural reference to the role of quilts, and the labour most often seen as "women's work". Her portraits are in demand by galleries and museums now. Not surprising, given their painterly feel and innovative approach to both textiles and portraiture. 

More work by the artist can be seen at the Claire Oliver Gallery's website, which also provided the image on this page.