Woman's blouse (Huipil) c. 1998

This blouse was made by Tzeltal artists. Imagine them, not wielding paintbrushes but needles threaded with vibrant colors. The creation of this piece must have been a labor of love, each stitch a deliberate stroke. The deep reds and oranges that dominate the upper part of the blouse make me think of the sun—maybe where the artist lived? It is a place I would like to visit! The embroidery is thick, giving a tactile quality that invites touch. The borders have tiny triangles, like little flags. Looking at this, I'm reminded that we're all connected through art. This blouse, created through such an embodied act of making, speaks to the ongoing conversation artists have with materials, with each other, and with the world. I want to wear it! I want to make one!