Rug c. 1970

This rug was made by a Navajo (Diné) artist. Just imagine for a moment the hours of patient labor involved in weaving this geometric composition of diagonal lines. I can imagine the artist carefully selecting the wool, preparing the dye, and interlacing the threads to create the texture and colour variations. There’s the off-white shade, a deep black, and browns of different hues. The rhythmic alternation of the diagonal lines creates a dynamic visual effect, so you can almost feel the pulse of the weaver’s hand as the pattern emerges. I'm thinking of Agnes Martin and her interest in grids, but here the grid has gone wild! Artists are in an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, inspiring one another’s creativity. This rug is a testament to the enduring power of craft and the beauty of simple forms.