Undershirt c. early 20th century

This Undershirt at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, made by Bursa, feels like a painting in fabric. Imagine the maker, carefully choosing each stitch, each seam, guided by a deep understanding of material and form. It makes me think about Agnes Martin and the way she would draw lines on canvases. I wonder if Bursa had similar intentions, creating these parallel lines with such precision. Each line, whether stitched or painted, becomes a gesture, a way of marking time and space. The color palette, so restrained, almost monochrome, emphasizes the texture and the subtle variations in the fabric. I can imagine Bursa, deeply focused, maybe thinking about how the shirt would feel against the skin. It is incredible how a simple shirt can also become a site of inquiry for both the maker and the viewer. It allows for multiple interpretations and meaning over time. Like artists who inspire each other across time, Bursa has taught me that the simple things in life can be art.