Woman's Blouse c. early 20th century

This Woman's Blouse was made with fabric, beads, and metal at an unknown date, by an anonymous artist. I love how the maker approached this work as a process, a journey, where the act of creation is as important as the final product. The blouse is a visual feast with its strong red backdrop, horizontal lines of black and white beads, and dangles of metal. The texture is palpable; you can almost feel the weight of the beads and the coolness of the metal against the fabric. The white lines that drop down from the black beaded lines remind me of rain, or perhaps tears, adding a layer of emotion to the garment. The slight irregularities in the lines and the placement of the beads give it a human touch, a sense of intimacy. It reminds me a bit of Sheila Hicks' textile works, where the materiality and the process of making are celebrated. The artist embraces ambiguity, invites us to bring our own stories and interpretations to the piece.