Homespun Coverlet c. 1937

Alexander Chudom made this "Homespun Coverlet" using, I guess, paint on paper, but it evokes the feeling of woven fabric. It's really all about process when you look at art, and this feels like a translation of one medium to another. I love how Chudom renders the texture. The red and tan are so flat, but the patterns give the illusion of depth, like you could reach out and feel the weave. The floral motifs are so graphic and stylized, yet there's a softness to them, especially where the red bleeds slightly into the tan background. Look at the bottom right corner – these triangles create an infinite grid and really anchor the composition. This piece reminds me a bit of Anni Albers' textile works, with their emphasis on geometric abstraction and material exploration. Art is always a conversation, right? This piece is a reminder that even the most functional objects can be a source of beauty and inspiration.