Buddhist ceremonial wall hanging (Pidan) c. 1985

This wall hanging, or Pidan, was made by an anonymous artist, but the level of detailed work feels far from anonymous. I imagine the weaver, carefully selecting each thread, weaving it into the larger pattern. There's a deep level of care and contemplation at work, the rhythm of the loom marking the passage of time like a mantra. The choice of rich reds, deep purples, and shimmering golds gives the hanging a sense of warmth. The elephants and temple-like shapes create a visual language that speaks to ideas of devotion, power and protection. I find myself thinking about Anni Albers, and Sheila Hicks; women artists who similarly explored abstraction through weaving. But here, the anonymous artist is not just making art. It's devotional labour, a contribution to a spiritual tradition. It’s beautiful, really, this conversation across time and cultures, where each artist adds their own voice to the ongoing dialogue.