Bag (m'hype) c. 21th century

This bag, made by Kachin artists, shimmers with reds and greens. You can almost see the maker deciding where to place each bead, each bauble, each colourful pompom. I love to imagine the artist's decision-making process. Did they feel the weight of tradition, or were they just going with the flow, letting the materials speak? The white beading on the straps, laid out with care, makes me think of Agnes Martin's grids, but with a joyful, folksy twist. The dangling fringes and silver bells, feel like a party waiting to happen. This isn't just a bag; it’s a statement, a celebration, a little bit of magic made real. And it reminds me that all artists, no matter their background, are in conversation with each other, riffing on ideas, and making something new from what came before.