Ahuayo c. 20th century

This "Ahuayo" textile, of unknown origin, is in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The process of weaving, like painting, allows for a build-up of color and texture, and a kind of rhythm to emerge through repetition. Here, the stripes of red, green, white, and yellow create a visual beat that’s both simple and complex. Look closely, and you'll see that the red stripes vary slightly in shade, giving the piece a depth that a flat, uniform color wouldn't achieve. And those little geometric details within the stripes? They remind me of the small, deliberate marks I make in my own paintings, each one contributing to the overall feel. It makes me think about Anni Albers and her focus on the grid, exploring the ways in which art and craft can intertwine and challenge our notions of what art can be. "Ahuayo" invites us to appreciate the beauty found in the handmade, and the stories embedded within its threads.