Woman's Pleated Skirt c. 20th century

This Women’s Pleated Skirt was made by Gejia, Miao people, and it's a beautiful example of how art can be part of everyday life. When you look at the lower part of the skirt, the eye is drawn to these panels with complex patterns, maybe stenciled or block printed. The artist allows the eye to rest here; the patterns become an emotional anchor for the piece. Then, as the eye travels upwards, the pleats of the skirt almost act like brushstrokes of pure color. You can almost see a dialogue between the more decorative areas and the areas of solid color. What is so striking about this piece is that it embodies a conversation between surface and form. It reminds me of the work of contemporary artists, like Sarah Crowner, who uses the medium of patchwork to explore the relationship between color and form. This skirt exemplifies how art traditions across cultures and time, converse and inspire each other.