Half skirt (asku) c. 1940 - 1950

This ‘Half Skirt (Asku)’ at the Minneapolis Institute of Art—we don’t know exactly when or by whom it was made—is a beautiful example of textile art. The process seems meditative, each thread carefully placed, building patterns from simple shapes. What strikes me is how the bands of color create a rhythm. The deep indigo contrasts sharply with the vibrant oranges and reds, drawing your eye across the surface. Notice the central band—those small diamond shapes. They’re not perfect, there’s a slight wobble, a human touch. It reminds me that art is not about flawless execution but about the energy and intention behind each mark. Looking at this piece, I think of Anni Albers, another artist who explored the possibilities of weaving as a form of visual expression. Both artists show that textiles can be just as profound and expressive as painting or sculpture, embracing the accidental and the imperfect.