Hat c. 20th century

This hat, residing here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, was constructed by an anonymous maker. The approach to mark making is wonderfully ornate, and evokes the spirit of the anonymous crafter who put countless hours into its creation. The texture, built from layers of thread and small stitches, presents a tactile surface that invites closer inspection. Little bursts of red act as punctuation, scattered across a field of white. The geometric precision and symmetry speak to a deep understanding of pattern and design. Notice the edges, where the thread transforms into bolder lines, grounding the elaborate embroidery. It brings to mind the geometric tapestries of Anni Albers. There's a shared interest in the grid, but in contrast to Albers' structured approach, this hat feels looser, more intuitive. Ultimately, the appeal lies in its quiet ambiguity. What stories could this hat tell?