Drapery Material for the Wheeler Room, Harkness Commons, Harvard Graduate Center 1949

Curator: Before us is Anni Albers' "Drapery Material for the Wheeler Room, Harkness Commons, Harvard Graduate Center." Editor: The repeating vertical stripes are visually very grounding; the earthy tones evoke a sense of calm and functionality. Curator: Albers, deeply engaged with the Bauhaus ideals, elevates the craft of weaving to fine art. This piece, intended for a communal space, highlights the material's role in shaping social interaction. Editor: The warp and weft interplay creates a textural surface, with its hues influencing how light and space are perceived in the Wheeler Room. Curator: Considering the context, this drapery embodies the synthesis of art, craft, and social purpose, questioning the hierarchy between the applied and fine arts. Editor: It truly emphasizes the beauty in simplicity, showcasing how the elemental components of design—line, color, and texture—can create a unified aesthetic experience. Curator: Seeing it this way has made me consider how utilitarian pieces can speak volumes about the society that produces them. Editor: And for me, it deepens my appreciation for textile art's visual harmony.