"Germantown Eyedazzler" Rug c. 1800 - 1890

Editor: Here we have a Navajo "Germantown Eyedazzler" Rug, likely woven between 1880 and 1890. The vibrant colors and geometric designs create a dynamic, almost dizzying effect. What do you see in this piece? Curator: From a formalist perspective, the Eyedazzler is a fascinating exploration of visual dynamics. The artist employed serrated lines and strong hues in Germantown wool to produce the optical effect suggested by its name. The geometric patterns are arranged symmetrically around a central vertical axis, giving a certain balance despite the vibrancy of color. Do you notice how the zigzagging lines create both movement and containment? Editor: Yes, absolutely! The colors pop so much, but the symmetry really keeps it all together. So the emphasis is really on the relationship between color and shape here? Curator: Precisely. Notice the visual interplay of the serrated lines. This type of weaving de-emphasizes any narrative, and directs viewers to appreciate how colour, line and shape create the overall image. Consider too the very materiality of the Germantown wool - machine spun, creating a different surface texture. Editor: That’s a great point! I was initially caught up in the design, but now I appreciate how the wool itself contributes to the visual experience. Curator: Indeed. By focusing on its formal components – its structure and vibrant coloration – we find that this piece’s lasting power comes from an exploration of optical phenomenon, and in the materials it utilizes. What has been your most insightful observation today? Editor: I have learned to appreciate how design, color, and the choice of materials are of central importance in this kind of art, not symbolic value. Thank you. Curator: Likewise! Examining it together helps underscore its enduring design principles.