Dr. Jennifer Angus

Biography

Jennifer Angus is a Professor in the Department of Design Studies at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she also serves as a Kay Vaughan Faculty Fellow in Design + Innovation. Her research focuses on the intersection of textile design and cultural narratives, exploring how patterns can communicate aspects of identity, including sex, age, and ethnic background. Angus's studio practice emphasizes the creation of site-specific installations that utilize patterns made from hundreds of insects, reimagining traditional textile forms such as wallpaper. Her work has received critical acclaim, with ArtDaily describing her exhibitions as some of the most provocative ever seen in an art museum setting. She was among nine artists featured in the landmark exhibition "Wonder" at the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery in 2015, which attracted over half a million visitors. In addition to her creative work, Angus is the faculty leader of the Global Artisans Initiative, which connects students with artisans in need of assistance in microenterprise development across various countries.

Research Interests