Shawl c. 20th century

This shawl, made by an anonymous artist, drapes with intricate patterns woven in white and blue. I love to imagine the maker patiently working, their hands moving with practiced skill. How many hours did it take to create such symmetry and detail? To build up the design, motif by motif? There is something incredibly tactile about textiles; they invite touch and warmth. I am drawn to the dance between the soft white sections and the densely patterned center. It’s like a conversation between stillness and activity. The fringe is a burst of energy, like the flicks of a brush that somehow complete the composition. Thinking about Agnes Martin and her grid paintings, maybe she too found inspiration from something like this shawl. These objects connect us to the past, offering glimpses into other lives, other ways of seeing and making. There is a conversation that carries on across time, a shared language of creativity that continues to inspire.