Trim c. 20th century

Curator: Looking at "Trim" from the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict, circa 20th century, it’s striking how a simple textile trim can resonate with such force. Editor: It feels incredibly formal, doesn’t it? Almost heraldic in its rigidity, the burgundy and gold feels opulent and perhaps meant to signal power. Curator: Yes, heraldic certainly captures it. Gold traditionally signified enlightenment, illumination, the divine presence – quite in line with Benedictine values, while the purple often conveys royalty or spirituality. Think of it as carefully considered ornamentation rather than mere decoration. Editor: Exactly, the interplay of geometric patterns, it's quite deliberate. It even flirts with the feeling of op art, tricking your eye into seeing movement and rhythm within the design. Do we know the purpose of the trim, given that it comes from this religious order? Curator: Most likely for ecclesiastical vestments or altar cloths. The arrangement is quite precise, a visual order mirroring their monastic life, you might almost say, their vows materialized in cloth. Each shape feels like an individual element of their tradition locked into sacred geometric order. Editor: Fascinating how these traditional geometric shapes feel equally contemporary, as the Pop Art movement loved repurposing simplified designs into powerful icons. Perhaps it is worth remembering that what seems timeless is often a process of adapting inherited motifs to new needs. Curator: A testament to their vision of endurance, as its beauty persists precisely because the patterns offer layers of meaning, spiritual resonance in pure geometrical form. What we call the Benedictine "tradition" owes a great deal to adapting symbols. Editor: Well, it seems like “Trim” trims both time and trends with great precision. It reveals that a powerful image is rarely accidental. Curator: Exactly, and perhaps "Trim," crafted by a monastic community, illustrates how aesthetic beauty finds its power in discipline.