Fabric Piece c. 20th century

This *Fabric Piece,* made by an anonymous artist, features stitched shapes and patterns of red, pink, green, and purple threads on a white cotton-like base. I imagine the artist sitting, maybe outdoors, carefully choosing each color, and working with such patience to create these rows of images. I really feel the maker’s hand here. The repetitive zig-zag gesture on the edges has a hypnotic quality, while the center sections, framed by delicate lines, burst into life with abstracted figures. I see people, animals, and even otherworldly beings. The colors are both harmonious and surprising, and it makes me think about outsider art. Maybe the artist worked intuitively, letting the piece grow organically without a set plan. The imperfections, the slight wobbles and overlaps, only make it more beautiful. It reminds me that art doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful, or meaningful. It makes you see, and feel.