Basket c. 1900 - 1915

This Tlingit basket, now residing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, is made with fibers that have been woven into these striking geometric designs. Just look at the level of control and precision in each woven mark. The artist seems to have embraced the nature of the medium, allowing the texture and inherent qualities of the fibers to guide the design, it's a slow meditative process. The warm, earthy palette is so satisfying! I like the way the natural tones of the fiber play against the brighter red and browner details to create depth and contrast. What's really compelling here is how the design is embedded in the process. It's about the repetitive action of weaving, each stitch building up to make the final image. This makes me think of Anni Albers, who was also deeply engaged with the history of weaving and pattern-making. Both demonstrate how art is often about pushing boundaries, engaging in an exchange of ideas across time.