Wall hanging c. 1920

Editor: Here we have Margarete Köhler's "Wall Hanging" from the Harvard Art Museums, a textile piece featuring brown and tan hues. The scale suggests a functional object, but its placement in a museum elevates its status. What can we learn about its creation and context? Curator: Looking closely, we can see the labor involved in its making. The woven structure and repeated geometric motifs speak to both industrial processes and individual craftsmanship. How does the earthy palette influence your perception of its purpose and value? Editor: It feels grounded, perhaps even humble despite being in a museum. Curator: Exactly. Köhler blurs lines between utilitarian craft and fine art. This challenges assumptions about artistic skill and the social status ascribed to different forms of making. I appreciate how it prompts us to consider the socio-economic contexts of textile production. Editor: I hadn't thought about it that way. It's interesting to consider the hierarchy of art and craft. Curator: Indeed! And, as you can tell, I feel that by focusing on production and materials, we gain a greater appreciation for its cultural significance.