Back Apron (Arkalik) c. 1940

This back apron, or Arkalik, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art features deep reds and warm hues, all woven together. I imagine the artist carefully selecting each thread, almost like choosing colors for a painting. The rhythmic patterns of the diagonal and vertical lines suggest a patient, meditative process. What was the artist thinking as they created this? Maybe of landscapes, or perhaps a deep connection to their culture and community. The texture of the woven fabric gives it a tactile quality. It reminds me of the way we build up layers in painting, each stroke contributing to the whole. The fringe adds a playful touch, like a painter’s spontaneous mark. This Arkalik embodies the idea that artists are always in dialogue, drawing inspiration from each other across time and medium. It's a beautiful reminder that art embraces ambiguity and invites multiple interpretations.