Minute Men Valance 1935 - 1942

Mina Greene created this piece, Minute Men Valance, using thread on fabric. Immediately, the eye is drawn to the figures, reminiscent of historical minute men, scattered across the surface. These figures, rendered in a naive, almost dreamlike style, provoke a sense of curiosity. Greene's use of simple stitching creates a composition where the figures are suspended in a non-defined space. The valance, traditionally a decorative element, is here transformed. The artist prompts us to question the relationship between material, craft and representation. The figures, though individually rendered, collectively evoke a sense of historical narrative. Ultimately, the rough texture and visible stitches emphasize a deliberate subversion of established artistic values, inviting us to reconsider the cultural significance of textiles.