Man's tunic (chaoli) c. 20th century

This man's tunic, or 'chaoli', was anonymously made and consists of dyed, woven, and embroidered cotton. The material is a striped fabric, with the lines acting almost like brushstrokes, dictating a certain rhythm to the work. But then, contrasting with this, we see these fantastic appliqued shapes around the neck that feel so much more free form. It’s as if the maker is playing with the push and pull between order and improvisation, which is a conversation I find myself constantly having in my own work. The embroidery, in particular, is just gorgeous. It's so raw and direct, you can practically feel the maker's hand at work. Up close, you see the material qualities, the varied colour and tone in the thread. It reminds me of the work of Gee’s Bend quilters, the way they take simple materials and turn them into something powerful and deeply personal. This tunic is a great example of how art can be found in the everyday.