Tunic (faroumban) c. 20th century

This Tunic, or “faroumban,” was made by the Wolof people, but when exactly, we don’t know. Look at the way the lines are worked into stripes and patterns – the natural color variation in the thread makes them wobble and waver. It's like the whole surface is breathing. The textile is made of woven strips sewn together, with all kinds of embroidered embellishments and dangling charms. The texture is everything – you can imagine how this piece feels to the touch. The colors are muted, faded even, but somehow that adds to the overall depth. The little woven charms hanging off it are just so delightful. It’s like a painting where every mark is a story, a memory. It reminds me a bit of Sheila Hicks's work, how she approaches weaving with this incredible sense of freedom and intuition. This tunic feels like a similar kind of exploration, celebrating the possibilities of the medium. Art isn't about having all the answers, it's about embracing the questions, the uncertainties.