Skirt (Longyi) c. mid 20th century

This is a Skirt, or Longyi, made anonymously, and sometime in the past, with cotton. The way this fabric is put together, it's all about the process. You know, the maker probably wasn't thinking about high art, but just focusing on the rhythm of pattern and the movement of color. Looking closely, you can see how the pale yellows and purples interact, creating a subtle vibration. The texture isn't smooth; it has this beautiful, almost handmade feel. I can imagine someone carefully applying the dye, letting it bleed and blend. I'm reminded a little of the Gee's Bend quilters – those amazing women who transformed everyday materials into powerful, abstract compositions. It’s this spirit of invention, of making something beautiful out of the ordinary, that really resonates. It's proof that art is everywhere, we just have to look.