Sample of Silk Yard Material c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have Anni Albers' "Sample of Silk Yard Material," created sometime during her lifetime. It's much smaller than I expected, a bit like a large coaster. What strikes me is how modern it feels, despite the age. What do you see in it? Curator: Well, it's a textile, right? So already we're bumping up against assumptions. Is it art, craft, design? Anni Albers, bless her inquisitive soul, didn't care for such distinctions. For me, this piece sings of process, of patient labor, a kind of quiet revolution against mass production. Do you feel that tension? Editor: I do, now that you mention it. It's both functional and beautiful. Curator: Exactly! It invites us to rethink our relationship with the objects that surround us. A reminder that beauty can be found in the everyday. It also makes me want to learn how to weave. Editor: I agree, it’s definitely inspiring. I hadn't considered the social commentary either, that's a new perspective.