014. Scott Burton

Where Performance Meets Purpose: Scott Burton’s Vision for Functional, Queer Art

Photo of Scott Burton from the cover of Scott Burton: Collected Writings on Art and Performance, 1965-1975.

Introduction

Scott Burton was a boundary-defying sculptor and performance artist whose work disrupted conventional divisions between fine art and functional design. Best known for his public furniture sculptures—seamlessly blending art with utilitarian objects—Burton reimagined how we interact with sculpture. By transforming functional furniture into sculptural pieces, he challenged traditional perceptions of art and its role in public spaces. Scott's creations invite interaction, encouraging viewers to engage physically with his work, thereby fostering a unique relationship between the art and its audience. His vision was not purely aesthetic, but deeply philosophical: he wanted people to experience art by using it, not merely observing it.