Marie Watt explores themes of community, history, and cultural identity through sculpture, installation, and textile art, all deeply rooted in her Indigenous Seneca heritage. Born in 1967 in Seattle, WA, Watt’s upbringing played a significant role in shaping her artistic sensibilities. Her family valued both creativity and community engagement, and Watt developed an early appreciation for the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. These influences would later manifest in her artwork, which often incorporates found objects, traditional craft techniques, and narratives drawn from her own heritage.
After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English from Willamette University, Watt earned a Master of Fine Arts in painting and printmaking from Yale University School of Art in 1996. It was during her time at Yale that Watt began to explore the intersection of sculpture and textile art, experimenting with materials such as reclaimed wool blankets, cedar, and copper. One of Watt’s most notable bodies of work is her ongoing series of monumental textile sculptures, large- scale quilts or blankets adorned with intricate patterns and symbols. These pieces serve as both a celebration of Indigenous textile traditions and a commentary on the complex relationship between Native peoples and the land.
Watt’s artwork has been exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally, with solo exhibitions at prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and the Portland Art Museum. Her work has also been included in numerous group exhibitions, biennials, and public art projects, garnering critical acclaim for its emotional resonance and thought- provoking themes.
In addition to her artistic practice, Watt is deeply committed to education and community outreach. She has served as a visiting artist and lecturer at various colleges and universities, sharing her expertise with aspiring artists and fostering dialogue about the role of art in society. Through her innovative use of materials and her unwavering commitment to storytelling, Marie Watt continues to challenge and inspire audiences around the world, offering a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of culture, memory, and identity.