Headpiece c. 1960

This "Headpiece" was made by an anonymous artist, and it lives here at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. I love the handmade quality of this piece, there is real skill involved in the making, but it's also evident that the maker has a deep understanding of process, material, and repetition. I'm drawn to the contrast between the patterned weaving at the top and the long, dark fringe that makes up the majority of the piece. Look closely and you'll notice how those individual strands eventually give way to these delicate colorful beads at the bottom – it’s a real journey! I am reminded of Sheila Hicks’s fiber sculptures, which like this headpiece, embrace texture and materiality. Like Hicks' work, this headpiece asks us to think about the potential for artmaking that exists outside of the established norms of painting or sculpture. It invites us to consider the artistic value of objects made with care, intention, and a deep connection to their materials. It celebrates the ambiguity and multiplicity of meanings that art can offer.