Bird Possibly 1878

Curator: The serene, repeating design of “Bird,” possibly from 1878, immediately strikes me. It’s a woven textile work, currently residing here at The Art Institute of Chicago. Editor: The overall impression is so calming, isn’t it? A quiet rhythm. The limited color palette—mainly blues and greens—adds to the tranquility. It is amazing how balanced all the shapes and colors are to avoid an overwhelming feel. Curator: It speaks to William Morris's ethos within the Arts and Crafts movement. He wanted to democratize art, bring beauty to everyday objects and challenge the industrial norms that separated the artist from the craftsmanship. This piece could've been destined for the home of someone looking for beauty and simplicity amid urban sprawl. Editor: Note how the birds are stylized. They aren’t photorealistic. This stylized depiction adds to the pattern. There’s a definite flattening of form; Morris is interested in the interplay of shapes rather than mimicking reality. Curator: Exactly, his inspiration was deep-rooted in the traditions of botanical illustration. But he merged them with this dedication to socialist principles: affordable art, morally upright and accessible to all! Editor: And you can definitely detect some elements related to geometric and organic elements to avoid repetition, each space is so well defined that one complements each other. Curator: Thinking about the society where this work was shown—this period in England. Its rejection of industrialized aesthetics and its longing for a romanticized vision of pre-industrial craft are worth pointing out, the political nature of imagery should always be at the forefront. Editor: The density is incredible. Yet the repeated bird motif and overall pattern allow the eye to wander freely across the piece. So carefully structured, a perfect example of unity within complexity. Curator: Ultimately, this piece is a reflection of art meeting ethics, and of challenging how art meets social expectations in our everyday life. Editor: Well, for me, it’s more the piece's lasting elegance and refined structure; this fabric brings serenity and style!