Judith Scott

This fascinating and generously illustrated book offers an in-depth look at the art and life of Judith Scott, and accompanies the first major exhibition of her artworks in the U.S.

Judith Scott’s story has become widely known: born with Down syndrome, and institutionalized for thirty years, before moving to the Bay Area to be near her twin sister, Scott had long-hidden artistic sensibilities that were first discovered at the visionary Creative Growth Art Center in Oakland. There, she developed an affinity for fiber and other found materials, creating remarkable and idiosyncratic objects—fastidiously assembled structures that radically challenge our attempts to define them as sculpture. In addition to illustrations of more than forty essential works, this volume includes a number of essays that trace Scott’s artistic development and her place within the field of contemporary art as a whole. A previously unpublished interview with Scott’s twin sister, Joyce, tells the story of how Judith’s move from relative isolation to a supportive and nurturing environment allowed an unexpected and extraordinary talent to emerge and flourish.