Woman's blouse (Huipil) c. 1998

This "Woman’s blouse," or huipil, was made by a Tzeltal artist, and it’s a fascinating example of how textiles can be so much more than just fabric. Look at how the dense red and orange embroidery creates these bold, almost architectural forms across the upper part of the blouse. There’s a real process at play here, a building up of texture and color that feels both deliberate and intuitive. I’m drawn to the way the artist uses these simple geometric shapes – rectangles, squares, and triangles – to create something so visually striking. The texture is really key; you can almost feel the thickness of the thread and see the individual stitches. The lower half of the blouse contrasts with the bright colors above, with subtle white lines created in the weave of the fabric. It reminds me a bit of the work of Anni Albers who also explored the structural and expressive possibilities of weaving. Ultimately, this huipil is a reminder that art isn’t just about what you see, but also about the process, the touch, and the way materials come together to create meaning. It’s an invitation to slow down, to look closely, and to appreciate the beauty in the handmade.