Rain Bonnet c. 1937

Lillian Causey’s ‘Rain Bonnet’ is rendered in delicate watercolors, where earth tones evoke the texture of fabric, the quilted pattern, and the soft draping of the bonnet. I can almost feel Causey’s hand guiding the brush, meticulously mapping out each line and shadow to construct this three-dimensional form on a two-dimensional surface. The repetition of brushstrokes reminds me of the patience required for craftwork. Did Causey also sew? This work feels close to the art of Louise Bourgeois, who was a master of taking personal objects and elevating them to monumental works. This simple bonnet becomes monumental because it allows us to imagine the lives of women and the importance of their domestic sphere. Artists are always conversing with one another, riffing on ideas, and carrying forward traditions, and this piece is part of that ongoing discussion about what art can be. Looking at this piece, I’m reminded that art doesn’t always need to shout; sometimes, it whispers.