Skirt c. 20th century

This captivating skirt was made by Katu, and it now resides at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The first thing that strikes you is the overall darkness of the fabric, punctuated by horizontal lines in muted oranges and grays, with diamond shapes. Imagine the maker, patiently weaving each thread, each stripe, maybe lost in thought, perhaps contemplating the meaning of the pattern emerging under their hands. It reminds me of Agnes Martin's subtle lines, but with a totally different vibe, rooted in a specific cultural practice. Look at the way the pattern shifts from solid dark bands to those intricate diamonds near the bottom. It’s not just decoration, it's like a visual language. You can almost feel the rhythm of the loom, the hours of dedication woven into every inch. There is a conversation here with textiles all over the world. Each artisan building on the work of others. It's an ongoing exchange of ideas, connecting us through creativity.