Animal Band 1920 - 1930

This “Animal Band,” was made by an anonymous artist, though the exact date is unknown. It’s an object that quietly hums with possibility. The material is unassuming – woven fabric, a simple palette of browns and creams. But look closer, and you see how the textures become really crucial. The slight irregularities in the weave and the little tassels lend a sense of warmth and familiarity. This piece feels handmade, like it comes from a single, human gesture. The stripes of the band remind me of Agnes Martin. There is a similar investment in the beauty of humble materials, and a dedication to process. The tassels have a quiet, rhythmic quality, not unlike some of Sheila Hicks’ smaller textile pieces. In the end, this band is a testament to the power of art to transform everyday objects into sites of contemplation.