Skirt c. 20th century

Curator: Here we have a "Skirt," made around the 20th century. It resides here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It's fashioned from cotton, displaying both weaving and fiber art techniques. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is its boldness. The contrast between the dark fabric and the light geometric patterns gives it a graphic quality. It almost feels like a visual shout. Curator: The social and cultural context surrounding this garment is really fascinating. As a piece of Asian art, the embroidery on this skirt tells a story of skill and tradition. Think about the hands that labored over the precise patterns. What does that tell us about the lives of its maker or wearers? Editor: That's exactly what came to mind. You can sense a community here. There’s such deliberate work on it, that sense of it being imbued with stories beyond just a piece of fabric—dare I say it has some soul? I like the play between the sharp zigzag and the rounded border on top. What do you think of that juxtaposition? Curator: It adds depth and intricacy, creating visual interest and hinting at a connection with larger symbolistic and functional values. If we could examine the quality of the cotton and the dying process used, it would certainly shed more light on local craftsmanship and the trading of goods at that time. Editor: Absolutely. I wonder how it moved. I'm sure that textile must have flowed like water as the wearer moved around; there is always life to garments, isn’t there? I'm also imagining what sort of occasions called for it; perhaps everyday wear, maybe celebratory ones? Curator: Exactly, a great case study connecting materiality and society. Each of these little threads connects to a human life. Editor: Truly, contemplating all those connections makes it all more poignant. I almost feel a bit closer to its spirit.