Judith Scott sculpture

One of Judith Scott’s remarkably detailed sculptures.

The Brooklyn Museum is one of New York City’s finest cultural institutions; its programming always offers compelling exhibitions from local and international artists, and its permanent collection is rich with ancient Egyptian masterpieces, decorative arts, contemporary works, and almost everything in between. This fall, the museum welcomes an array of incredible exhibitions, including one that features the works of  the late Judith Scott.

Judith Scott was a remarkable human being whose artworks have captivated thousands of people around the world, and are representative of her inspiring life story. Scott was born with Down Syndrome, and became deaf after an attack of Scarlet Fever in infancy. A fraternal twin, Scott’s sister Joyce became her caretaker in 1986, after years of separation. It was soon after that that Judith enrolled in the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, where she began her career as a fiber artist and sculptor.

According to Scott’s biography,

With unflagging intensity, Judith worked five days a week for eighteen years, producing over 200 cocoon-like sculptures which today are found in museums and private collections around the world. Judith died in Joyce’s arms in March, 2005, living 49 years beyond her expected span at birth – the last 18 in blissful, unrestrained creativity.

Judith Scott sculpture yarn textileIn Judith Scott – Bound and Unbound at the Brooklyn Museum, Scott’s work “is celebrated for its astonishing visual complexity,” in the first comprehensive survey of the artist’s work. Featuring three-dimensional objects as well as works on paper, Bound and Unbound will showcase Scott’s originality, idiosyncratic artistic method, and her ability to pack emotion into the binding and manipulation of found objects and materials.

“Within the core of each piece might be hidden a special talisman of significance known to Judith alone,” explains her biography. You can experience these works and celebrate the incredible artist for yourself next month when Bound and Unbound opens.

Judith Scott – Bound and Unbound

October 24, 2014 – March 29, 2015

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, Brooklyn Museum

Images via judithandjoycescott.com.