Oggi Venisetesimo Giorno Undicesimo... 1988

Alighiero Boetti made this textile artwork, titled Oggi Venisetesimo Giorno Undicesimo, in the 20th century. It's all about a process, with the repeated shapes of squares and letters in seemingly endless combination. The overall effect of this work is like a visual puzzle, with tiny blocks of color creating a shimmering surface. The stitching is dense and tight. The colors are vibrant, almost psychedelic, yet there is an odd order to it. In one area, the word 'COROA' is visible. You can see how the repeated use of letter-like marks creates a rhythm across the whole work. Boetti often collaborated with artisans in Afghanistan and Pakistan to produce his embroidered works. This piece reminds me a little of the pattern paintings of artists like Etel Adnan, but with a conceptual twist. Boetti embraces the beauty of mistakes and imperfections, reminding us that art is an ongoing conversation, full of possibilities.