Skirt (Aksu) 1960 - 1970

This skirt, or Aksu, was made anonymously and with an unknown date, but is made of wool. I am struck by the earthiness of this piece, the warm browns and reds speak of organic processes and natural dyes. What I find especially beautiful is the way the textile breathes, each thread a mark in its own right. Look closely at the red patterned section; the tiny black motifs emerge from the warp and weft, creating a dance of positive and negative space. The overall effect is textural and tactile, I can almost feel the coarse wool against my skin. Notice the way the colors shift in different light, almost as if alive. This Aksu reminds me of Sheila Hicks's woven sculptures, in its celebration of the materiality of fiber and the way simple forms can convey profound emotion. The making of art is an ongoing exchange, each piece speaking to those that came before and laying the groundwork for those yet to come.