Weaving Sample 1932 - 1937

Editor: So, this is Otti Berger's "Weaving Sample," currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's, well, a textile sample. What strikes me is the texture, almost like raw wool. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Considering Berger's likely Bauhaus background, it's crucial to examine the materials and processes. This "sample" isn't just decorative; it's an exploration of industrial application. What questions does the materiality raise for you about its intended function? Editor: I guess it makes me think about mass production versus handcrafted textiles. Curator: Precisely! Berger’s work blurs that line, questioning the social context of production itself. It's not just about "art," it's about the labor and industry embedded in the fabric itself. Editor: That's a totally different way to look at it. I was just seeing a swatch of cloth. Curator: Seeing the means of production allows us to consider its socio-economic implications. Editor: I never would have thought of that. Thanks for opening my eyes.