Panel c. 1900 - 1925

This 'Panel' by Katti, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, presents a captivating interplay of folk narrative and structured design within its 15 3/4-inch square. The craft's texture is visually striking, inviting consideration of its tactile nature and laborious creation. The composition is defined by a grid-like arrangement filled with animals, people, and houses. The eye is drawn to the juxtaposition of naturalistic elements within this ordered space, which introduces a tension between the organic and geometric. The piece's semiotic complexity is apparent in its presentation of cultural codes through folk art traditions. The use of pattern and repetition, particularly in the border of trees, creates a rhythm that is both decorative and symbolic. The overall effect is a destabilization of fixed meanings, inviting a reinterpretation that celebrates cultural expression. Ultimately, this panel operates as a symbolic form, its aesthetic function deeply embedded in cultural and philosophical discourse, where structure enhances storytelling.