High Pile Rug c. 20th century

Editor: Here we have a textural artwork simply called "High Pile Rug," believed to be from the 20th century. It is constructed of fibre-art, specifically weaving and textiles. Seeing it here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, my immediate feeling is warmth. I feel like I want to touch it. What do you see in this work? Curator: Ah, texture as emotion! I feel that viscerally. What I see... imagine stepping onto this rug, right out of bed on a cold morning. It's like a little sun, isn’t it? A compact explosion of fall colours – the browns, yellows, and reds. The untamed fringes evoke a kind of delightful, cultivated wildness. Does the anonymous nature of the artist make you see the piece any differently? Editor: Interesting... anonymous makes me think about tradition, domestic craft passed down through generations. The lack of a singular author enhances the communal aspect of creation. It removes the pressure of ego! Curator: Precisely. This piece aligns beautifully with the Pattern and Decoration movement, reclaiming those “lesser” forms, imbuing them with colour and intention. These textures weren't just meant to cover a floor, were they? Editor: I think you’re right; there’s something rebellious and affirming in making something so tactile. Curator: It’s the artistic hand asserting itself through material, isn't it? We find beauty not in the grand gesture, but the humble stitch. Maybe the 'anonymous' label challenges us to value the craft, even without a famous signature attached. Food for thought! Editor: Absolutely. I initially only saw it on a surface level, I missed the deeper layers of meaning beyond the purely aesthetic, but seeing its connection to craft traditions has deepened my appreciation.