Panel c. 20th century

Editor: This artwork, entitled "Panel," dates from around the 20th century. It's an anonymous piece currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art and seems to be made primarily of cotton textiles. I am immediately struck by the repeating geometric pattern – it gives the panel a sense of ordered complexity. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This “Panel,” with its geometric patterns, really brings up questions about the globalization of design and the power dynamics inherent in cultural exchange. Where was this panel originally produced, and what purpose did it serve in its community? The geometric patterns might appear abstract to us now, but likely held significant meaning, connected to specific social roles. Editor: That’s a really interesting perspective. I was initially just looking at it formally, you know, lines, shapes and symmetry. You are pushing me to think beyond the visual. Curator: Exactly! Who decided these designs were “art” worthy enough to be in a museum, and whose stories are therefore highlighted? Whose cultural language do we silence? Editor: It's easy to forget the social implications when faced with just the object itself. Curator: Textile production often involves collaborative labor, typically marginalized in art historical narratives. This panel’s repetitive design hints at a possible industrial aspect. Can you think about the labor involved? Editor: I hadn't really considered that angle at all! Perhaps multiple artisans involved? The scale is not enormous. Curator: Think of it from a supply and demand perspective. It provokes so many intriguing angles on how cultural values impact art and vice-versa. This really changes the context of what the work could mean and forces me to reflect on my own assumptions as well. Editor: Thank you, seeing the textile in the gallery, then considering labor and purpose, certainly shifts my perception of the Panel.