Jacket c. 1936

This jacket was made by Josephine C. Romano, a woman artist working in the twentieth century. It’s an image of a garment, but also of an identity. Consider the history of women's work, often undervalued and unseen, particularly in the realm of textiles and design. Romano's focus invites us to reflect on these gendered labor practices. What does it mean to create clothing, to adorn oneself, and to be seen? The jacket is embellished with a pattern of gold circles and triangles, and looks like it would belong to a specific cultural group. Romano made many of these images of ethnic clothing. The artist, through her artistic practice, engages with questions of cultural representation, authenticity, and the power dynamics inherent in the act of observation. This artwork is more than just a jacket; it’s a statement about the rich cultural tapestry of the world and the complex relationships we have with clothing and identity.