Armband c. 20th century

This armband was made at an unknown date by an anonymous artist. Imagine the patient hands that brought this into being, weaving the bands of color, knotting and braiding, all to make something that can be worn. I think about how the repeated marks make up the form. It reminds me of Agnes Martin’s grids or the drawings of Sol LeWitt. There's something about seriality and incremental variation that's mesmerizing. I wonder if the maker knew the pattern in advance or let it emerge organically, responding to the materials, the colors, and the rhythm of the hand. You can see the maker improvising, adjusting, and finding their way. This object is modest, but I am moved by it. It reminds me that art is a kind of deep, ongoing conversation. We are all in it together!