Christian Bruno

Diedrick Brackens making basket boats.

Diedrick Brackens is a Los Angeles-based artist whose new show, "ark of bulrushes," is now up at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art.

His works include large-scale weavings depicting stark silhouettes against geometric patterns. He is also premiering his first-ever woven sculptures.

Brackens pulls inspiration from the historical art and crafts of African Americans, reaching back to the Freedom Quilts used during the Underground Railroad. Combining traditional motifs with modern experiences, Brackens creates a new chapter in African American art. 

The Show spoke with Brackens about his work.

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