Regrettably, photography was not allowed in the gallery, even if you knew how to take a photo without flash. In fact museum staff were at key points throughout the exhibit stopping patrons from taking photos. Therefore I hesitate to include any images of the quilts, but you can see the entire collection here and click the thumbnails to enlarge. They were breathtaking to see in person, softly spot lit to accentuate the color combinations and bold graphics, the cotton shone. Well here's one, just to give you an idea, taken from a calendar.
The thing I found interesting were the placards introducing the Amish lifestyle and their quilts to the public. They described the Amish simplified way of living as a "Minimalist's approach to life". That their quilts were reductionist art long before the idea of self denial and getting down to basics in an effort to create something new in your art was even conceived. The quilts are displayed in a darkened gallery that highlight their "Abstraction" but don't reveal the exquisite hand quilting. I feel the exhibit missed the point, divorcing the heart of Amish quilts from the work in an effort to present their own art concepts. This quote is from the Brown's web site:
Unlike painters, however, the Amish did not intend their quilts for public exhibition because they do not believe in demonstrating worldly pride in their work.
Unlike painters, however, the Amish did not intend their quilts for public exhibition because they do not believe in demonstrating worldly pride in their work.
After Amish Abstraction, we toured the rest of the museum. King Tut and his artifacts were on exhibit in another gallery, but the lines for the tour were mind boggling. Another time perhaps.
After three hours we reluctantly headed for the car. But not before perching on a limb just above ground, what a welcome relief to our tired feet.
After three hours we reluctantly headed for the car. But not before perching on a limb just above ground, what a welcome relief to our tired feet.
We made a memory.
2 comments:
Re: Amish Abstractions: The lighting level has nothing to do with trying to highlight the abstract designs at the expense of the exquisite quilting. The lighting is dim to avoid damage to the quilts, which can occur after many hours under bright lights. Museums have specific standards concerning how many lumens should be used for lighting delicate textiles and the de Young is observing those standards.
What a wonderful after Tday to work off the "stuffing"! I saw the King Tut exhibit many,many years ago,when I could handle the lines and crowds. It was fabulous!
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