Judith Scott

Judith Scott was a renowned American sculptor and textile artist celebrated for her intricately wrapped sculptures that transform everyday found objects into cocoon-like, abstracted forms. Born with Down syndrome, the artist lost her hearing early in life, and artmaking became her main method of communication and her legacy.

Judith Scott was born in 1943 in Columbus, Ohio, and spent her early years in institutional care due to her disabilities. In 1987, her twin sister, Joyce Scott, became her guardian and enrolled her in the Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland, California, a pioneering organization for artists with developmental disabilities. There Scott discovered her passion and talent for fibre art.

As a fibre artist, Judith Scott enveloped everyday objects like baseball bats, spoons and other plastic pieces with layers of yarn, cloth and other textiles. Her delicate and painstaking method resulted in complex and multi-layered works that exude both mystery and emotional depth. Each piece is unique, reflecting her intuitive process and profound connection to her work.

Judith Scott’s art gained recognition for its raw beauty and originality. In 2021 Christie’s sold her 1993 sculpture Untitled (Heart) for US$52,500 — a world auction record for the artist. Her work can be found in the permanent collections of museums including the Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art in Chicago, the Museum of Art Brut in Paris, the American Museum of Visionary Art in Baltimore and the Museum of Modern Art in San Francisco.

Scott’s pieces are seen as powerful expressions of her inner world, transcending her physical limitations. The artist passed away in 2005. Her life and work have been the subject of several documentaries and books, including Outsider: The Life and Art of Judith Scott by Betsy Bayha, which explores her unique artistic journey and the profound impact of her creations on the art world.