Fragment van bedrukte trijp met grillige vormen en gestileerde herten, in zwart op roodbruine fond c. 1920 - 1925

This textile piece was made by Jaap Gidding; it’s a fragment of printed trijp with whimsical shapes and stylized deer, black on a reddish-brown background. When you look at this, you can see the process of block printing, the repetition of the shapes suggests a patient, methodical approach, but the deer are just slightly different each time. There’s a real physicality to this medium; you can almost feel the texture of the fabric and the slight variations in the print. The reddish-brown background gives it a warm, earthy feel, while the black adds a striking contrast. The way these colours interact creates a sense of depth. Look closely at the diamond shapes containing the deer; notice how the lines aren't perfectly straight, giving the piece a handmade quality. I'm reminded of the work of Anni Albers, she also explored the possibilities of textile design, and like her, Gidding finds a balance between pattern and individuality. It's a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, each piece building on what came before.