Shaker Dress Material c. 1936

Ingrid Selmer-Larsen created "Shaker Dress Material" with watercolor and graphite on paper. At first glance, the array of colored rectangles invokes a muted yet rich palette. The composition is simple: a grid of ten swatches, each a subtly different hue, ranging from deep browns and blues to striped patterns. The textures are implied rather than explicit, the graphite marks suggesting the weave of fabric. The Shaker aesthetic, known for its simplicity, functionality, and honesty, resonates deeply here. Selmer-Larsen has captured the essence of Shaker design, stripping away excess to reveal the intrinsic beauty of the materials. The grid structure itself speaks to a sense of order and practicality, core values of the Shaker community. Each color, while seemingly plain, holds a depth that invites contemplation. In its unpretentious presentation, this work underscores how minimalism can be charged with meaning. The piece is not just about color and form but about the cultural and philosophical values embedded in the Shaker tradition. It is a study in how art can reflect and reframe our understanding of simplicity and purpose.