Marfa Muse

ZOË BUCKMAN

We are delighted to introduce multidisciplinary artist Zoë Buckman as our latest Marfa Muse.

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Zoë’s practice incorporates sculpture, textiles, photography, and installation. Her artform is raw, honest, and unapologetically feminist, exploring identity, equality, trauma and gendered violence, subverting preconceived notions of vulnerability and strength.

Growing up with strong, empowered women in her family and community in Hackney, East London, she channelled this energy into her art, using her words and rhymes to speak out against social injustices and challenge the status quo. She finds the act of creating intricate designs with needle and thread to be meditative and empowering and sees the craft as a way to reclaim traditionally feminine forms of expression and creativity.

She studied at the International Centre of Photography (ICP), NY, and was awarded an Art Matters Grant in 2017 and The Art Change Maker Award 2019. Notable solo shows have included BLOODWORK, Nomi and No Bleach Thick Enough,at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery London, at Pippy Houldsworth Gallery, Heavy Rag at Fort Gansevoort Gallery New York and Let Her Rave at Gavlak Gallery Los Angeles. Group shows include those at SF Moma, The Broad Museum, The Museum of Art & Design, NYC, and The Baltimore Museum of Art.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND

I grew up in Hackney, East London and moved to New York to go to art school and start my career as a multi-disciplinary visual artist. I live in Brooklyn with my 12 year old and our two kittens.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR CAREER JOURNEY SO FAR

My art practice has been evolving. I’ve been showing my work for over ten years and throughout each series I strive to push myself, learning new modes of expression.

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Signature Patchwork Long Quilt

[A] Bronze [B] Stone

Regular price $2,695.00

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WHAT INSPIRES YOUR WORK?

My work has always been an exploration of my experiences. I examine ideas pertaining to the femme-bodied experience such as body autonomy, motherhood, gendered violence, power and subjugation, and Jewish personhood. Though the germination of each body of work is autobiographical, I always expand the series to include and encompass the experiences of other women.

TALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS FROM CONCEPT TO INSTALLATION?

The process of realizing an exhibition is always a little different but I typically start with writing. I use text and poetry in my work often, even if the text never makes it into the finished show.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

I’m most proud of the way I have come through and survived life's fuckeries.

WHAT'S NEXT?

I have some older works going to a group show at SF Moma this year, as well as the Lowe Art Museum. The Whitney just acquired a piece of mine for their permanent collection and I’m told that The National Portrait Gallery will be hanging the work they acquired next year, and as a Londoner who would go there as a kid, that will feel like a personal milestone moment for me. I’m currently working on a series of painted and embroidered portraits of my Jewish family and community in their homes, examining our fragile and complex ideas of safety, belonging, and what and where “home” is.

HOW DO YOU STYLE YOUR MARFA STANCE PIECES AND WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT THE BRAND?

I love Marfa Stance for their contrasting and complimentary use of colour and texture. I rock my coat with a vintage slip dress or jeans and a t-shirt!

Photographer: Abbey Drucker

M U S E

MUSE celebrates creativity, individuality, and a like minded vision for responsible design and entrepreneurship.

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