Patchwork Quilt 1935 - 1942

Editor: So, here we have Cora Parker's "Patchwork Quilt," made between 1935 and 1942. It looks like watercolor and textile are among the materials. I am struck by its geometry; it reminds me a bit of Josef Albers' squares. What do you see in this piece? Curator: What I find compelling is how it speaks to the intersection of craft and fine art, and especially its place within a larger, often gendered, history. Think about who was making quilts during this time. Consider the domestic space and the "feminine" labor of quilting circles. It transcends mere geometric patterns. Editor: So, you see it as a feminist piece? Curator: Well, not overtly. But consider that throughout history women's artistic expression has been marginalized or categorized as craft rather than high art. This quilt challenges those boundaries. The act of quilting, the choice of materials, speaks to resourcefulness, community, and storytelling traditions amongst women, particularly within rural and often marginalized communities. Don’t you think? Editor: I guess I hadn’t considered the social implications. It seems to combine different geometrical elements as well. I am also interested by how it combines watercolours, and fabric. Why create a watercolour “drawing” of a textile? Curator: Precisely! Why recreate it? I would encourage a deconstruction of notions of authenticity here; think about labor and what it means to replicate an item made via ‘traditional’ women’s labour, with a fine art medium… Editor: That's fascinating! I never would have thought about it that way. Thank you for providing context for a deeper understanding of the piece and it’s historic cultural origins. Curator: Absolutely, it's about seeing art as a conversation with history, power, and identity. Now that you see, it how does the drawing and the choice of medium add layers of nuance to the meaning behind it?