The Art of John Scott
More about John Scott
Artist John Scott was born in New Orleans and raised in the city’s Lower Ninth Ward. He taught at Xavier University for more than 40 years and was named a MacArthur Fellow in 1992 by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, a highly prestigious honor that came at the height of his career.
Scott was known for creating vibrant kinetic sculptures that explored topics ranging from the West African diddly-bow string instrument to the rhythms and movements inspired by enslaved dancers in early 19th-century in New Orleans’s famed Congo Square. His large woodcuts drew heavily upon life in the city, especially its rich Afro-Caribbean culture and musical heritage.
Louis No. 2
2003, Woodcut; 79”x 48”; gift of Roger Ogden
Window Fan
2003, Woodcut; 79”x 48”; gift of Roger Ogden
Night Lyr for Brother Rey
2003, Woodcut; 79”x 48”; gift of Roger Ogden
Circle of Dance: For Tommy Mabel
2003, Woodcut; 79”x 48”; gift of Roger Ogden
Urban Placemat: Crossroads
1998; Painted Aluminum 16”x 14”x 2”; gift of The Diana Helis Henry Fund of The Helis Foundation
Off The Edge: Neighborhood Block
1993; Painted Aluminum; 31”x 32”x 32.25”; gift of the Josef Sternberg Memorial Fund
Circle of Dance: Big Sister’s Window
2001; Bronze Patina; 22”x 53”x 15”; gift of George Rodrigue
Urban Warrior: Swaddling Close
2005; Mixed Media on Board; 35”x 48”; gift of The Diana Helis Henry Fund of The Helis Foundation
I Remember Birmingham
1996; Painted Aluminum; 39″x20″x10″; gift of Dr. Michael Sartisky
Two Lines for Rickey
1985; 13”x 40”x 6”; gift of Sydney & Walda Besthoff
Black Butterfly
1996; Aluminum & Steel; 60”x 79”x 36”; gift of The Diana Helis Henry Fund of The Helis Foundation
Urban Crucifix
Aluminum & Steel ; 36”x 24”; gift of Lyndon & Janine Barrois