Folded basket 1999

Curator: Here we have Jan McKeachie-Johnston’s "Folded Basket" from 1999. This piece is part of the ceramics collection here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Editor: Immediately, I'm struck by the tension in this piece. The muted reds and the textured surface, combined with its unconventional geometry, give it an almost brooding presence. It feels grounded, yet oddly pliable. Curator: I see exactly what you mean. The rough texture created with ceramics establishes a dialogue between intention and material reality. There is an inherent geometry expressed by the folds and their relationship to the lip or 'brim', but a clear focus on natural elements due to the ceramic material, resulting in its compelling asymmetrical presence. Editor: The basket form itself is so loaded, isn't it? Throughout countless cultures, the basket has represented nourishment, sustenance, domesticity... Here, those associations are subverted. This is a container that seemingly cannot contain, a vessel more sculptural than functional. Curator: And perhaps that subversion leads to a deeper meditation on containment. In some philosophical circles, the shape can symbolize a safe haven—a metaphorical shelter crafted from learned knowledge. In this respect, Folded Basket presents more than just materiality; it reflects a transformative dialogue. Editor: Yes! The symbolism seems incredibly self-aware; an embrace of naturalism with geometric foundations. And it offers up so many possibilities. Is it full or empty? Is it closed, or simply awaiting something? Curator: This very question mirrors artistic creation—a conscious effort to construct but a simultaneous surrender to raw materials. We may then arrive at fresh dialogues with the art object itself and a fresh awareness of our perceptual engagement. Editor: Jan McKeachie-Johnston encourages an awakening. This humble yet complicated basket invites us to contemplate our connection to both the physical world and its metaphorical underpinnings. Curator: An incredibly resonant dialogue on display here through surface and shape, offering fresh perceptual insights.