Josh Faught (U.S., b. 1979). Sanctuary [detail]. 2017. Hand-woven, hand-dyed cotton, hemp, and gold lame with found and archival materials. Henry Art Gallery, Gift of William and Ruth True, originally commissioned in 2016 for Saint Mark's Cathedral, Seattle, WA, 2020.5. Image courtesy of the artist.

Josh Faught: Sanctuary March 8- August 3

Seattle, WA—The Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington is excited to announce its latest exhibition, featuring the work of Josh Faught (b. 1979, Missouri, based in San Francisco, CA). Known for his evocative multimedia creations that blend weaving, found objects, and ephemera, Faught examines craft traditions, queer culture, and personal history in ways that challenge systems of classification and highlight structures of support, visibility, and identity.

This exhibition highlights Sanctuary (2017), a monumental tapestry commissioned by Western Bridge for Seattle’s Saint Mark’s Cathedral and now part of the Henry’s collection. Drawing from Faught’s personal collections and local Seattle archives, Sanctuary reflects on how queer communities have created spaces of safety and connection, and how these practices intersect with themes of faith, devotion, and desire. The tapestry features a rich array of found and archival materials, weaving together spirituality, history, and pop culture. These references evoke stories of connection and isolation in queer history as a means to address ongoing questions about safety, belonging, and well-being.

Accompanying Sanctuary is a selection of Faught’s recent basket works. These intimately scaled pieces complement the sprawling height of Sanctuary and highlight the artist’s exploration of everyday objects as vessels for human emotions and memories.

This exhibition celebrates Faught’s ability to intertwine personal and collective narratives, offering visitors an opportunity to reflect on themes of identity, community, and the power of craft.

Artist Bio

Josh Faught explores the conjunction between various histories: the history of textiles, sociopolitical histories, and the artist’s personal history. Recent solo exhibitions include Look Across the Water into the Darkness, Look for the Fog, Wattis Institute, San Francisco (2022); Both Things are True, Koppe Astner, Glasgow (2019); Casa Loewe, London (2019); Sanctuary, commissioned by Western Bridge, St Mark’s Cathedral, Seattle (2017); Siyinqaba, US Embassy in Swaziland, Mbabane (2015); BE BOLD for what you stand for, BE CAREFUL what you fall for, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art at the Neptune Society Columbarium, San Francisco (2013); Snacks, Supports, and Something to Rally Around, Contemporary Art Museum, St Louis (2013). Faught has exhibited in group exhibitions at NAK Neuer Aachener Kunstverein, Aachen; Houston Center for Contemporary Craft, Houston; Museum of Arts and Design, New York; Yerba Buena Center for Art, San Francisco; The New Museum, New York; ICA Boston; The Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston; Grazer Kunstverein, Graz; Pakville Galleries, Ontario; and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Detroit. He is a professor of textiles and fine arts at the California College of the Arts.

The Henry advances contemporary art and ideas. The museum is internationally recognized for groundbreaking exhibitions, for being on the cutting edge of contemporary art and culture, and for championing artists at every level of creation. Containing more than 28,000 works of art, the Henry’s permanent collection is a significant cultural resource available to scholars, researchers, and the general public. The Henry is located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, Washington.

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