John Tarrell Scott (June 30, 1940 – September 1, 2007) was an American sculptor, painter, printmaker, collagist, and MacArthur Fellow.

[1] The works of Scott meld abstraction with contemporary techniques infused with references to traditional African arts and Panafrican themes.

[8] Scott's work frequently displayed themes related to African-American life, particularly the rich Afro-Caribbean culture and musical heritage of New Orleans.

Scott said the rings at the top of the sculpture represented circle dances performed by slaves who frequented Congo Square.

[9] He is also known for his use of divergent materials in constructing his art, such as cast bronze, thin brass strips of wire and bent hardwood to create provocative sculptures.