Zoe Schlacter

A Multidisciplinary Artist Redefining Personal Style and Design

Brooklyn-based artist Zoe Schlacter is a dynamic, multidisciplinary creator whose work spans multiple forms of art and design. They hold a BFA in Textiles from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, where they immersed themselves in both contemporary design techniques and traditional craft practices.

Schlacter’s artistic practice spans quilting, installation, sculpture, and weaving—a diverse array of mediums that allows them to explore themes of personal identity, gender expression, and sexuality. Through these various forms, Schlacter navigates the theory and practice of gendered expression in personal style, challenging societal norms and celebrating creative freedom. Their work investigates how personal style can reflect and subvert gender expectations, while also tapping into the liberating potential of non-conforming sexual identities.

A defining feature of Schlacter’s work is its intentional ambiguity. Rather than adhering to rigid definitions, they embrace fluidity, allowing their pieces to remain open to interpretation. This flexibility reflects their desire to move beyond binary conceptions of gender and identity, creating space for viewers to bring their own perspectives to the art.

Schlacter draws inspiration from a wide variety of sources, ranging from the optical illusion art movement—with its playful, mind-bending patterns—to the traditional textile patterns of Western cultures. This eclectic blend of influences results in work that is both conceptually rich and visually stimulating.

In addition to their fine art practice, Schlacter has built a notable career as a textile designer, specializing in interior textiles. Their work in this field maintains the same lively, boundary-pushing spirit that defines their art, producing pieces that are vibrant, funky, and uplifting. Schlacter’s designs stand out not only for their bold aesthetic but also for their ability to bring joy and energy into living spaces.

Whether creating large-scale installations or intricate weavings, Zoe Schlacter continues to explore the intersections of art, identity, and design. Their work offers a fresh perspective on gender and self-expression, inviting us to reconsider how art and textiles can shape the way we experience the world around us.