Weaving Sample c. 20th century

Curator: This is Otti Berger's "Weaving Sample," held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It reminds me of a color field painting, but with a very human, tactile element. It's like a study in how colors vibrate and interact. Curator: Indeed. As a Bauhaus artist, Berger explored the interplay of color and texture. These samples were not just exercises, but investigations into the emotional potential of textiles. Editor: It feels so modern, even timeless. It challenges the traditional hierarchy between art and craft, doesn't it? Promoting industrial design principles. Curator: Absolutely, it blurs the lines between art, design, and industry. Berger sought to elevate weaving to an art form, not just a functional object, while maintaining design principles for industrial production. Editor: Considering the history of women in the Bauhaus, it speaks to larger cultural narratives of marginalized voices claiming space in artistic expression. It is great example of democratizing visual culture. Curator: Precisely. The weaving sample becomes more than just material; it's a testament to the power of textile as a medium for cultural expression. Editor: Looking at it again, there’s something deeply satisfying in its simplicity. Almost like a visual mantra.