Her quilts have been exhibited all over — from the Smithsonian Institute to Epcot Center to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
HOLD ONTO YOUR WIGS. Things are about to get real eye-gasmic.
Like this:
Bisa’s quilts have paid tribute to such icons as Paul Laurence Dunbar, Jackie Robinson, Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong, Marvin Gaye, Nelson Mandela, President Barack and Michelle Obama and more, such as:
Lauryn Hill
A gorgeous recreation of Miss Hill’s classic portrait.
Nina Simone
Perhaps inspired by this studio portrait of the singer.
Nina at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1968
Lupita Nyong’o
We couldn’t get enough of Lupita’s first Essence spread either.
Jill Scott
Jilly’s epic Golden cover.
Malcolm X
Malcolm X in Life magazine.
Jean-Michel Basquiat
Inspired by this iconic portrait.
And then there’s this one.
Diana Ross
The Supreme seen green.
Michael K Williams?
Ok, not really, but if I were him, I’d write a dope script about this sharecropper, cast myself, shoot it, then feature this amazing piece in the final frame.
Not Beyoncé
Or is it?
Not Beyoncé, not Naomi Campbell
You might not be able to trust this one with her video phone.
Not Rihanna
But also, maybe?
Not Solange
But you see it, right?
Not Viola Davis
When you’re waiting on Sam to explain the picture on the dead girl’s phone…
Not Young Jeezy
If Jeezy ever journeys to the conscious side of rap, his album cover’s ready for him.
Not Oprah
Butler’s tribute to her matrilineal New Orleans bloodline is serving just a taste of Miss Sofia.
Not Jennifer Hudson
The quilt is accurately titled “She Sangs,” so it might just be her.
Not Fantasia Barrino
Concert goals: watching Fantasia tear up “Sleeping with the One I Love,” kick her shoes off, then unveil a bounteous ‘fro.
Not Indira from EDF 3
Ok, this is 100% Indira from Elite Delta Force 3 (an awesome all-black female sketch comedy group that also featured The Nightly Show’s Robin Thede). Never forget.
Not My Cousin Melanie
This quilt is a tribute to Bisa’s lovely grandmother, Violette, and somehow looks exactly like my cousin.
Butler’s work is also good for a man-crush or two…
#QuiltBae
Oh, #QuiltBae, take me away from all of this. Let’s run away together and keep each other warm forever.
#SewnBoo
Why the face, #SewnBoo? #QuiltBae is just my Friday to Sunday, you know you my main!
And so much black beauty…
“Flowers for Faith”
Butler’s tribute to Faith Ringgold, acclaimed quilter, painter and writer/illustrator of the classic children’s book Tar Beach, among others.
“Your Blues Ain’t Like Mine”
The details, though: His beard contains the Declaration of Independence.
“The Boss”
Butler’s empowering re-imagining of Aunt Jemima could not be more perfect.
“Quiltmaker’s Garden”
The patterns in her face…so much yes.
“Pop Pop and Grandmommy”
The clothes, the companionship, the everything.
“ooh’ n awe, Stella by Starlight”
Blindingly gorgeous. Reminder: this is not Kelly Rowland. This is a QUILT.
“Angels Will Sing for You”
THIS. IS. A. QUILT.
“Black Girl Magic”
Also? A QUILT.
“Thembi”
Quilted queen.
“The Princess”
Quilted princess.
“Say Her Name (Sandra Bland)”
Simply beautiful.
