Poncho c. early 20th century

This poncho was carefully woven, we don't know by whom, but it now resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Look at the vertical stripes, how they dominate! I’m thinking of Agnes Martin and the way she made her grids. It’s like a song, right? An intuitive act. You're probably not thinking about Agnes Martin when you're making it, but afterwards someone like me comes along and thinks about how artworks talk to one another across time. I can imagine the weaver considering all the possibilities, choosing the colors, and feeling the material, watching these stripes emerge, one by one. The textures and patterns create a unique visual language. Do you feel how the artist’s hand is present in every stitch? This poncho is a record of time, labor, and the love of making.