Dread Scott is a visual artist who makes revolutionary art. His career has been marked by national controversy and a steadfast objective to exist in a world free of exploitation and oppression. In this Oral History Project excerpt, he conveys his concerns about the state of the art world to Rujeko Hockley, Arnhold Associate Curator at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Hockley begins with a series of introspective questions about who Scott was before he chose a name in the punk aesthetic that honors his political activism and artistry. They continue with a detailed account of the controversy that brought Scott into legal and political battles and challenged his reception and legacy, both then and now. Scott concludes with a question for the art world, which he feels has not figured out what to do with an empowered artist whose artwork resonates with viewers at recognizable institutions and at protests for political and social reform.
– Janée A. Moses, Director of the Oral History Project
RUJEKO HOCKLEY: From looking at your work, it seems as though you've lived a very interesting life. If your work is a snapshot of your existence, I think it's gone well.
DREAD SCOTT: It's alright. l've got complaints, but I don't think there's an artist who doesn't want more.
