Plant black

Fernand Léger created this tapestry, titled "Plant Black," in 1947, using wool. Léger wasn't afraid to engage with so-called 'lesser' materials. You see this here in the textile, with its soft textures and muted colors that lend an organic quality to his hard-edged style. The process of weaving imbues the artwork with a rich cultural significance, drawing upon traditions of craft and domestic industry. The image seems simple enough, but think about all the work of translation and the labor involved in the execution of this piece. Ultimately, the material helps us appreciate the interplay between the fine arts and the applied arts. Léger was a modern artist who believed in the social role of art. By embracing such materials, he blurred traditional hierarchies, challenging us to see the beauty and value in everyday materials and processes.