Bedspread c. 1936

This piece, called Bedspread, was made by Mary Berner, but we don’t know when or with what. The artist has used a delicate touch; the colours are muted, and the marks, light. The design is a border of foliage and flowers. The empty space in the middle feels like an invitation; a space for dreaming, maybe. Look closely, and you can see the artist’s hand. The lines are uneven, and the colours bleed slightly. I really appreciate that. The lack of perfection makes it feel more human. Take the blue flower at the bottom left – the petals are almost feathery. This feels like a direct expression of the artist's sensibility. It reminds me of the work of Ree Morton, who used a similar kind of playful mark-making to create a sense of wonder and delight. Art is like a conversation. We all learn from each other, building on the ideas of those who came before us. It’s not about getting things right, but about exploring the possibilities, and keeping the conversation going.