For over 142 000 years beads have played an important role around the world as the oldest form
of personal adornment. Joyce J. Scott has revolutionized and transformed the potential of the
ubiquitous bead as a relevant contemporary art form. For over fifty-one years she has devoted
her aesthetic practice to waking up the world expanding beadwork's boundaries with powerful
in-your-face social commentary. While addressing society's ills her visual and performance
conversations on cultural stereotypes and racial injustices elucidate her vibrant brilliant
works of art. The publication Messages features Joyce J. Scott's dynamic images with scholarly
essays from experts in their field as well as museum curators' comments. Each individual
provides deeper insights into the influences and extraordinary work of Joyce J. Scott astutely
capturing the essence and spirit of this icon of contemporary art.
