Monique Burts is a wearable artist who uses storytelling and performance art to bring her wearable sculptures to life through various unconventional materials. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from Indiana University Herron School of Art & Design, where she first became interested in wearable art. Burts’ creative process involves trial and error, problem solving, risk taking, historic research, and material analysis. Her ability to trust her unique process allows her to transform her chosen materials beyond what initially seems possible and create multifaceted, wearable sculptures. The wearable art collections that Burts presents are accompanied by live models, music curation, choreography, and a full beauty team. Burts’ sculptures reflect the theme of unconventionality seen throughout her body of work. Her wearable art garments are constructed with various materials, including but not limited to, paper, plastic, wood, metal, synthetic hair, plaster, traditional fabrics, and ordinary found objects. Burts draws much of her inspiration from the possibilities that appear when perspective is altered. In addition to the art of manipulation and seeing the beauty in the unseen, her artistry is also shaped by her culture and lived experiences as a Black woman.
Burts has exhibited at various Indianapolis art galleries. Her work was recently exhibited at the Phoenix Theatre Cultural Center. She has also provided immersive, wearable art performances for local Indianapolis based companies, including ESL – Spectrum at The Vogue Theatre. As an Indianapolis native, she could not pass up the opportunity to showcase her work at the Indy 500 Snakepit Ball. She has been featured as a Goodwill of Indiana – Sustainability Campaign designer. Her work has been featured live on WISH – TV 8 IndyStyle and printed in the IndyStar. Burts also works as a contracted costume designer.
