fine art quilts
I think I’m in love with quilts. Like big modern canvases, they are geometric, and not afraid of color. But better than a painting or sculpture, they have a function. Thus, I am thrilled to see some highly renowned examples of the craft at the Nevada Museum of Art this month.
Opening tomorrow (and showing through April 11), A Survey of Gee’s Bend Quilts takes a look at the quilts and traditions of the women from Gee’s Bend, Alabama. The New York Times called them “some of the most miraculous works of modern art America has produced.” Now if only I could snuggle up in one.
Nettie Young, Sampler Quilt, early 1970s. Corduroy, 84 x 77 inches. Courtesy of Tinwood Alliance
Mary Lee Bendolph, Blocks and Strips, 2006. Denim, cotton/polyester twill, polyester, 79 x 72 inches. Courtesy of Tinwood Alliance
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One of these day you should check out some kancheepuram or tanjore sarees. they are interesting comparisons to quilts – they also abound with overstated colors and geometric forms and for those of us who grew up around them, have the same sensation of home comfort (hiding in the folds of my mom’s saree was not uncommon at some point in my more pint size past). But they’re obviously completely different in so many ways.
Thanks Jai! I will definitely check those out. Just got back from a trip to see the exhibit and it was amazing… made me miss the South, where I grew up. Hope NY is still treating you well!