Born in 1925 in Gee's Bend, Alabama, Lutisha Pettway was part of a multi-generational community of quilters whose work gained national recognition for its unique aesthetic. She learned the craft of quilting from her family, utilizing traditional techniques passed down through the community to create functional textiles that evolved into celebrated works of abstract art.

Pettway’s work is characterized by bold, geometric patterns and a sophisticated use of color, often constructed from repurposed fabrics and clothing. Her quilts are noted for their improvisational style, which prioritizes individual expression and rhythmic composition over rigid symmetry, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Gee's Bend region.

Her legacy continues to be recognized in major institutional contexts, including her inclusion in the 2025-2026 MoMA exhibition Artist’s Choice: Arthur Jafa—Less Is Morbid. Her quilts remain central to the study of American folk art and the history of textile production in the rural South.