Octavia Butler (1947-2006) broke new ground as a writer of science fiction. She expanded the genre by publishing some of the earliest examples of “Afrofuturism,” combining African history and folklore with technological advances and supernatural powers.
Butler was born in Pasadena and spent much of her life in southern California. Years after her death in 2006, the writer continues to receive attention for the parallels between her dystopian fiction and our world today. In her 1993 novel, Parable of the Sower, she imagined a Los Angeles encircled by fires.
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery recently acquired this vibrant quilted portrait of Octavia Butler by artist Bisa Butler (no relation). In the portrait, Octavia Butler appears to glimpse the future, envisioning worlds that continue to speak to her devoted readers.
In 1995, Octavia Butler became the first science fiction writer to receive a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as a “genius grant.”
The title of this portrait, Patternmaster, takes its name from the title of Butler’s first novel, published in 1976.
Butler’s shirt features a flying saucer and starbursts, reflecting the writer’s visionary nature.
The National Portrait Gallery acquired Patternmaster through the generosity of Taylor and Wemimo Abbey; Sol Aponte and Jennia Fredrique Aponte; Mahari Y. Bailey, Esq.; Lyndon J. Barrois Sr. and Janine Sherman Barrois; Ingrid Best; Devin W. Blackburn, Esq.; George and Azita Fatheree; Kenneth T. Little; Nike O. Opadiran; and Ayesha D. Selden.
Published Winter 2025 in IMPACT Vol. 11. No 1
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