Coat

This "Coat" was made by Dong, and I can see it at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It has a somber dark blue palette, a bit like those faded jeans we all love. When I look at this piece, I think about the journey of making. The process seems visible, not concealed – like each stitch tells a story. I'm drawn to the embellishments down the front. Each tiny bead seems carefully placed, creating a rhythm. I love those tassels too. They're not just decoration, they’re playful. They add a touch of movement and lightness to the otherwise heavy dark coat. It reminds me of the work of Rosie Lee Tompkins, another artist who elevated textiles to an art form. Both artists remind us that art doesn’t always have to be loud. Sometimes, it whispers. It invites us to lean in, to look closely, and to find beauty in the details. And maybe, just maybe, to see the world a little differently.