Woman's shawl c. 20th century

This Woman's shawl, by an artist from Tripura, uses woven material to create a piece that’s all about process. The artist repeats colours and designs in a rhythmic pattern that guides the eye around the entire composition. There's something so lovely about the imperfection of handmade objects, isn't there? I can see the human hand in every horizontal stripe here, how the colour varies slightly, how the pressure changes, and how the threads almost seem to breathe. The green background is cool and verdant like a forest, a strong contrast to the lower register of brick red and woven diamonds. Look at the fringed edges of the textile; this section is looser, less controlled. The weaver’s mark becomes part of the overall aesthetic. It reminds me a bit of the vibrant textiles of Gee’s Bend quilters, or even the stripe paintings of Agnes Martin. They all share a quality of simple, repetitive beauty and remind me that art is an ongoing conversation that transcends both time and medium.