Golden Pinwheel 1979

Miriam Schapiro's "Golden Pinwheel" is made using fabric collage, a technique that merges painting with traditionally 'feminine' crafts such as sewing and quilting. Schapiro's work centers around what she called 'femmage' - a term she coined to describe art made by women using domestic materials. 'Golden Pinwheel' is a powerful example of this aesthetic. The work features a dazzling array of colorful fabrics, carefully arranged in a circular pattern that radiates outward. The process of creating this piece involves both meticulous planning and intuitive placement. Each piece of fabric is selected for its color, pattern, and texture, then carefully cut and arranged to create a dynamic sense of movement. Schapiro elevates the status of the overlooked materials and processes, traditionally associated with domesticity, to the realm of fine art. The labor-intensive process is apparent in the intricate details and patterns of the pinwheel. By embracing these materials and techniques, Schapiro challenges traditional hierarchies within the art world, questioning what is considered high art and what is relegated to the realm of craft.