Basket c. 1937

Gordena Jackson, born in 1900, created this piece called "Basket" with watercolor and graphite on paper. Two views of a basket dominate the composition, one from above, and the other in profile, each delineated with meticulous detail. Notice how Jackson uses concentric circles and radial symmetry to organize the basket's surface. The contrasting dark red and beige lines create geometric patterns, drawing our eye towards the center in a spiraling vortex. The basket is transformed into a complex interplay of line and shape. This piece challenges conventional artistic hierarchies, elevating indigenous craft to the realm of fine art. Jackson's work asks us to reconsider the boundaries between art and utility, between tradition and modernity. She prompts us to recognize the inherent beauty and intellectual sophistication embedded within indigenous material culture. Ultimately, Jackson's "Basket" demonstrates how an everyday object can become a potent symbol of cultural identity. The basket's design reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns. It's an invitation to engage with the rich semiotic landscape of indigenous art.