Ornament c. 20th century

This outfit at the Minneapolis Institute of Art was created at some point by a Short Skirt Miao artist. Looking at the embroidery, I imagine the methodical, meditative act of stitching. It's almost like a form of drawing, line by line, building up these intricate geometric patterns. I wonder about the artist, what were they thinking as they worked? How long did it take to complete? These garments aren’t just clothes; they’re a form of expression, a way of carrying identity and storytelling through pattern and colour. The texture must be amazing, all those tiny stitches creating a raised surface, catching the light. The overall pattern reminds me of the work of Anni Albers, another textile artist who elevated craft to high art. It’s interesting to consider the cross-cultural conversations that happen between artists, even across different mediums and eras. The Short Skirt Miao artist probably never saw Albers' work, but both artists shared a dedication to their medium, transforming simple materials into powerful visual statements. It's a testament to the enduring human need to create and adorn.