Judith Scott

A groundbreaking outsider artist who created extraordinary textile sculptures despite being deaf and with Down syndrome

Judith Scott (1943-2005) redefined the boundaries of contemporary art through her unique fiber-wrapped sculptures. Born deaf and with Down syndrome, she spent 35 years institutionalized before her twin sister Joyce brought her to California's Creative Growth Art Center in 1987.

Working with found objects wrapped in colorful yarns and fibers, Scott created over 200 "cocoon-like" sculptures that challenged conventional art world hierarchies. Her tactile works combined elements of Abstract Expressionism and African ceremonial objects, earning recognition from major institutions like MoMA and the American Folk Art Museum.

Art critic Matthew Higgs noted:

"Scott's work forces us to reconsider our definitions of authorship, intentionality, and what constitutes 'outsider' art."

Key achievements:

• First artist with Down syndrome featured in the Venice Biennale (2017)
• Works collected by over 30 major museums worldwide
• Subject of multiple academic studies on neurodiversity in art