Bella Pattern Fabric Samples c. 20th century

Curator: These are the "Bella Pattern Fabric Samples" by Otti Berger, now residing at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, it's like a pixelated strawberry field, or perhaps a close-up of blood cells under a microscope, pulsing with life. Curator: Berger was deeply involved in the materiality of weaving, challenging the hierarchy between art and craft by foregrounding the labor and techniques involved in textile production. Editor: It's incredibly vibrant despite its rigid grid. I can imagine this fabric in a Bauhaus interior, adding warmth and a touch of playful energy. Curator: Exactly. Her approach to weaving was also influenced by the social context of the Bauhaus, and this is evident in her exploration of material and pattern, as well as her focus on functional, affordable design. Editor: Thinking about the weaver's hands, the repetitive motions... there's a meditative quality here, a real connection between the body and the loom. Curator: Ultimately, it makes you think about how materials shape our daily lives. Editor: Yes, a silent, humble revolution in thread.