Woven Textile 1935 - 1942

Byron Dingman’s woven textile presents a carefully structured composition of geometric forms, its red, white, and blue hues evoking a sense of Americana. Born in the mid-19th century, Dingman’s artistic practice unfolded during a period of significant transformation in American society, marked by industrialization, urbanization, and shifting cultural norms. This textile can be seen as a response to those shifts. The grid structure might symbolize an increasing emphasis on order, efficiency, and standardization. The handmade nature of the textile and the geometric forms can be interpreted as a yearning for simplicity and a return to traditional values amidst modernization. The textile’s blend of geometric shapes and colors invites us to consider the intricate interplay between individual expression and collective identity. The red, white, and blue are a reflection on how personal narratives are woven into the broader tapestry of national identity.