Breast band c. 20th century

This Breast Band, dimensions about 30 by 13 inches, now at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, was made by an anonymous artist. It's interesting to look at how this artist has constructed their world through the act of making, stitch by stitch. Looking closely, you can see how the texture is built up, a tight weave creating these complex geometric patterns. The deep reds and purples vibrate against the stark blacks and the pops of color in the decorative bands. I love the way the artist uses these color blocks, almost like resting points for the eye amidst the overall visual busyness. Focus on a single diamond motif within the larger pattern. See how each tiny stitch contributes to the whole? It's kind of amazing, and serves as a reminder of how much time and care the artist took when making it. You might think of Anni Albers when looking at this piece, but the looseness in the stitches in this band sets it apart, embracing the beauty of imperfection and the charm of human touch. Art doesn't have to be perfect to be profound, right?