Jacket c. 20th century

This jacket, by an unknown Shan artist, is a deep reddish-brown hue, almost like dried blood or aged wine. I imagine the maker carefully selecting the fabric, feeling its texture, and considering how it would drape and fold. Each stitch is a deliberate act, a small mark in the overall composition. It’s impossible not to think about all the decisions involved in creating this piece of clothing. The folds and creases in the fabric remind me of the way paint can bunch up and create unexpected textures on a canvas. The deep color evokes a sense of warmth and intimacy, like a well-worn garment that has absorbed the history and memories of its wearer. The Shan artist is in conversation with all makers, experimenting with form, color, and texture to create something beautiful and functional. Their work reminds me that art is not just about the final product, but about the process of creation itself—the act of bringing something new into the world through skill, intuition, and imagination.