Mantle c. 20th century

This Mantle, made with fiber by a Quechua artist, invites a meditation on the rhythms of creation. The deep reds and purples, punctuated by vibrant yellows, speak of intention and an intuitive engagement with color. The process becomes visible in the making. Up close, you can see the textures, a testament to the hand that guided each thread. These vertical bands with the animals in, they are not perfect, more organic, each repeat with slight variations, like brushstrokes. Think of Agnes Martin's grids, but in textile form. This piece reminds me of the work of Sheila Hicks, who explores similar themes of tactility and texture, she elevates craft to high art, pushing the boundaries of what textiles can achieve. Art’s like that - an ongoing conversation that transforms with each new voice. It’s not about answers, but the questions the art provokes.