Excella Pattern Fabric Samples 1932 - 1937

Curator: Here we have "Excella Pattern Fabric Samples" by Otti Berger, held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Orange like a summer sunset! It’s so vibrant, it almost hums with energy. Curator: Precisely. This isn't just about color; consider the texture. The weave itself, the individual threads, speaks to the hand that crafted it. Berger was a master of her materials. Editor: Absolutely. You can practically feel the tension and release of the loom, the labor involved. These aren’t just decorative; they're testaments to process. Curator: And though "samples", they radiate such possibility—textiles as architecture, clothing, experiences! It’s beautiful how such humble components can create something so evocative. Editor: Yes, it prompts us to consider art beyond the gallery, questioning the hierarchy between 'high' art and the everyday object, something utilitarian. Curator: It's a delightful reminder that creativity can be found in the most unexpected places. Editor: I will keep this fabric at the forefront of my mind.