Screen c. 20th century

This anonymous piece, "Screen," is at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. We don't know when or by whom this small square was made, but it looks like it’s woven from natural fibers. What strikes me is how regular it is, but also how off it is: each woven 'square' is unique and a bit wonky. The artist created this by hand, carefully making each of those subtle shifts in color and texture. I love to imagine the maker repeating the same action over and over again, a meditation in material. Up close, you can see the natural tones of the material. The light catches the little knots and bumps. Looking at the surface, you can almost feel the texture under your fingertips. It is a reminder that art is not just about seeing, but also about feeling and experiencing the world through touch and texture. There’s a similar feeling to some of the work of Anni Albers, who also explored the intersection of craft and art. It’s a reminder that art is often about quiet gestures and the simple act of making.