Baby's Jacket c. 20th century

This Baby's Jacket was made by Gejia, Miao and is now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Look at how the white design sits on the indigo fabric, each mark laid down with attention. The lines are clean and precise, yet you can sense the hand that guided the dye, the care that was put into each stitch. The texture invites touch, the colour is deep and enveloping. I can see the attention to detail, in the concentric circles of decoration and the tiny triangular motifs that adorn the hem and cuffs. It almost reminds me of Matisse's cut-outs, with the way flat shapes are used to create depth. It's like Gejia is speaking to Matisse across time! This jacket embodies a conversation between utility and artistry, between protection and beauty. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just something we hang on walls. It's something we live in. It's in the clothes we wear and the objects we cherish.