Sample textile c. 1932

Editor: Here we have a textile sample by Otti Berger, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a soft, earthy red-brown. What strikes me is its raw, almost unfinished edges. What does this sample communicate to you? Curator: Its significance lies in the labor and processes involved in its creation. The textile challenges the traditional hierarchy separating "art" from "craft" and demands we consider the conditions of its production, including the materiality and Otti Berger's hand in its creation. Do you see how the weave itself speaks to a larger historical context? Editor: I do now! It's fascinating to consider the social and economic elements embedded in this small piece. Curator: Indeed, recognizing the means of production allows us to fully appreciate the artistry involved.