Woman's blouse 1975

This woman's blouse was made by a Maya artist using fiber. The red ground is alive with stripes of colour, like subtle breaths taken on the surface. When I look at it, I can't help but think about my own work as a painter, where the process is so much about building layer upon layer, allowing accidents and imperfections to become part of the final piece. I notice the density of the embroidery around the neck, a riot of flowers, each stitch a testament to the maker's patience and skill. The texture is palpable, and I wonder how it feels to wear this blouse, to carry this weight of artistry on one's shoulders. The colours are so vibrant, it feels like the work of Hilma af Klint, somehow. There's something about the way these artists create their own visual language that resonates so deeply, opening up new ways of seeing and feeling the world. It reminds me of the ongoing conversation that is art, each piece building upon what came before, each artist adding their own voice to the chorus.