Apron c. mid 20th century

This apron, made by Dong, is this gorgeous combination of practical purpose and exquisite artistry. The deep indigo of the main fabric has this inky darkness that acts as a stage for the vibrant stripes of red, white, and blue that frame the edges. I'm drawn to the embroidered patterns near the bottom, little figures holding hands, maybe? The stitching is so fine, so delicate, it makes you wonder about the person who made this. What were they thinking about as they worked, the needle moving in and out, creating these intricate designs? You can almost feel the rhythm of their hand. It reminds me of the work of Pacita Abad, a Philippina-American artist who experimented with trapunto quilting in her paintings and clothing. Ultimately, both Abad and the creator of this apron show us that art can be found in the everyday.