Young Man's Shirt (dloki) c. 20th century

This is “Young Man’s Shirt (dloki)” by Nakunte Diarra, a textile piece made with mud cloth. Look closely at how the squares and triangles are built up with small dots, each one an individual gesture, a tiny act of making. It's not just about the overall pattern but about the build-up. The material itself, the mud cloth, has a distinct presence. You can imagine the texture, the way it feels to the touch. It’s absorbent and earthy, right? See how the dark pigment seems to sink into the fabric, creating this rich, matte surface. Notice one of the triangles. The way the dots cluster together, denser in some spots, lighter in others. There is something imperfect about the application, it feels human. The shirt reminds me of some of the work of Agnes Martin, the way she repeats simple geometric forms to create something meditative and calming. But here, there’s a rawness, a directness, that feels very different. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, a back-and-forth across time and cultures.