Skirt c. 19th century

Editor: This is a textile work called "Skirt," dating back to around the 19th century. It's currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The entire piece is made of silk, and it gives off a distinctly rich and warm feeling because of the colour and soft, floral patterning. What captures your attention when you look at this skirt? Curator: Oh, my, where does one begin? It's as if someone bottled up a whole garden – albeit a very formal, opulent one – and poured it onto this fabric. I get lost in the repeat, that little visual hiccup as your eyes trace one motif right into another. Doesn’t it almost feel like a whisper of another era? I wonder, who might have worn it? Editor: Definitely another era! I imagine this piece would feel amazing to touch with it being silk and all. I am curious about the 'pattern-and-decoration' style that’s indicated, how much would the individual artisan be able to express their style? Curator: Ah, excellent question. It's easy to see this overwhelming pattern as… well, just pattern. But think about it – each tiny shift in a leaf, the slight variation in the dye lot… Those could be individual assertions, tiny rebellions against pure replication. Makes you consider what folk art represents today, don’t you think? Is it something of the past? Is the artist an active creative? Editor: I suppose I hadn’t thought of it as a rebellion! More a question of available resources and styles that the consumer liked. Thinking about folk art like this opens up another layer to its potential. I never thought of art so closely related to fabric and what someone could wear! Curator: Precisely! The artistry is in that very dance – honoring tradition, whispering your own song within it. It’s almost a lesson, isn't it? Perhaps our individuality can shine even within prescribed parameters. Editor: Exactly! Well, this has given me a lot to think about. I may have to redesign my wardrobe.