Belt c. 20th century

This tightly-woven belt, of unknown origin and date, is a simple object, yet it speaks volumes about process. Think about the handwork, the repetitive gestures, and the time involved in creating this object. The dark indigo dye of the woven band contrasts with the natural straw colour of the coiled rope. Imagine the textures - the rough, tactile feel of the straw against the smooth, almost silken weave of the fabric. The rope is bound in a tight spiral, suggesting both containment and potential energy, like a spring ready to uncoil. This reminds me of when Eva Hesse used rope in her sculptures. The frayed ends of the belt are like loose threads of a story, hinting at the human hands that made it, used it, and maybe even unraveled it. Art isn't about answers, it's about the questions we ask along the way.