Czóbel Béla Kötő Nő 19330 1930

In 1930, Bela Czobel made this oil painting, titled "Knitting Woman." The visible brushstrokes show the rich, buttery quality of the paint, and create a sense of the artwork's own making; the artist's hand is almost literally present here. Notice how the earthy tones and visible brushstrokes create a sense of depth and texture, making the figure seem almost sculptural. Knitting itself is an act of production. For centuries, knitters have transformed simple strands of yarn into complex, patterned textiles. This painting therefore has resonance with the long history of female labor, and the ways in which repetitive manual tasks can offer a space for contemplation. It challenges us to see the artistry in everyday skills, and to value the labor involved in producing handmade goods. Art like this helps us expand our understanding of creativity and making in the world.