Over the years, artist, activist and legendary beadworker Joyce J. Scott has transformed the simple bead into a form of expression for social commentary. Now, her work is on display at the Chrysler Museum of Art, in an exhibit called, “Messages,” running through Aug. 17.
The exhibit features 34 stunning works that span her career, not only highlighting her mastery of the medium but showcasing her commitment to addressing the ills of society.
Scott works with off-loom, hand-threaded glass beads, creating striking sculptures, wall hangings and jewelry drawing inspiration from her African-American heritage. She weaves Native American techniques like the peyote stitch into her work. Each piece is not only beautiful, but many are infused with a wink and nod – a little inside joke between Scott and her audience, such as one piece that makes overt references to the 2020 election. Beyond beadwork, Scott has explored quilting, performance art, printmaking, sculpture, singing, teaching, textiles, installation art and more, according to the Chrysler Museum.
She recently told Artnews.com, “I insinuate beads into anything. If I could make an edible bead and we could sprinkle it on top of ice cream, I would bead in a beautiful design, and then we’d eat it. It is a mesmerizing technique.”
As for her inspiration, it’s something that runs in the family; her mother was renowned quilter Elizabeth T. Scott.
“My mother’s side of the family were craftspeople: basket workers, clay people, weavers, all kinds of things,” she told Artnews. “One of the reasons I chose beads is because I could afford them. The more I learned about them, the more I realized I had the facility to bend them to my will.”
The current exhibition at the Chrysler Museum of Art is organized by Mobilia Gallery out of Cambridge, MA.