Gates of Paradise 1980

Miriam Schapiro made "Gates of Paradise" with fabric and sewing. Her signature “femmage” technique is on full display here, embracing materials and processes often associated with domesticity and women's work. Schapiro collaged together an intricate composition of textiles. This artwork merges painting with fabrics, lace, embroidery, and other traditionally “feminine” materials. This choice of material infuses the work with social significance, elevating the status of crafts like sewing and quilting. Schapiro carefully chose fabrics for their colors, patterns, and textures to create a visually rich surface. Look closely and you will see how the artist has composed a pictorial space through skillful arrangement and use of materials. "Gates of Paradise" challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and craft, celebrating the creativity and skill involved in often overlooked practices. Schapiro transformed what was seen as everyday, domestic production, into a powerful form of artistic expression. By paying close attention to her materials, we gain a deeper understanding of the artistic traditions and social statements woven into the artwork.