Skirt c. 20th century

Editor: So, this is "Skirt" from around the 20th century. It’s cotton, and a really gorgeous example of fibre art. Just look at that weaving! It feels almost hypnotic with all those patterns. What do you make of it? Curator: Hypnotic is the word! I feel like I could just dive right into that woven pattern and disappear into a world of textiles and texture. It reminds me of falling down the rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, except instead of talking animals, I find meticulously hand-embroidered flora. The artist, or perhaps craftsperson is a better word here, they weren't afraid of detail, were they? Editor: Definitely not! All the imprinted textile work makes my head spin a little, but in a good way. The color-blocking at the top is pretty simple though, almost grounding? Curator: Exactly! Those blocks provide a certain visual stillness before you embark on the journey below. Do you think those calming, broad colors draw attention to the bottom part, to lure us to the complexities in all of that detail and pattern? Or do you think that these solid shapes create visual harmony between simple colors and an ocean of motifs? Editor: I didn’t even think about it that way! Both, probably? I was focusing so much on the bottom. The layered patterning feels both traditional and totally unique. Curator: It is a fantastic push-pull, isn't it? Knowing it’s from around the 20th century, seeing that level of work… Makes you wonder about its purpose, doesn’t it? What stories it could tell? Editor: Absolutely. I came in seeing a skirt, but now it feels like looking at a whole world. Curator: Yes! And I appreciate you seeing a garment and inspiring a deeper question, that brings forth an understanding that there is indeed always much more than meets the eye in art!