Curator

  • Art Institute Chicago
  • Harvard art museum
  • My Exhibition
A group of black children stand closely together, gazing out at the viewer. They wear brightly colored and patterened clothing made of African fabrics; one child stands in front of the others with his arms outstretched in a protective gesture, wearing a belt and sash that identify him as part of a school safety patrol.

The Safety Patrol

2018

Bisa Butler (American, born 1973)

New Jersey

The Safety Patrol considers the potential of seven children as future caretakers of the world. The boy in the center stands in front of his classmates, wearing a sash that signals his role helping other children safely cross the street. His outstretched arms reinforce his duty to lead and protect and his facial expression registers that he is poised and not afraid of what lies ahead. As the artist has noted, the letters OK printed diagonally on his shirt and the yellow eye on his left side simultaneously ward off evil forces and forecast that the children are prepared for the future and will be alright.

Cotton, wool, and chiffon; appliquéd and quilted

Women artists

African American artists

Textiles