Hat c. 1950

This hat, by an unknown Hazara artist, lives at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It’s made from fiber and metal. The bright blue contrasted with the metallic thread is really eye-catching. When you look closely, you can see all these tiny stitches, each one a little decision. They add up to this beautiful, intricate design. It's all about process, right? Like, imagine sitting there, patiently working away at it. The texture of the fabric, the sheen of the metal – it all comes together in a really satisfying way. There’s this bit around the edge, this braid of metallic thread, that catches the light in a way that's almost mesmerizing. It’s not just decoration, it feels like an integral part of the whole thing, like a frame that sets everything off. It reminds me a bit of the work of Pacita Abad, especially her trapunto paintings, because they're so rich in texture and pattern, and they both have this incredible energy. Art isn’t about answers. It’s about conversations, questions.