Bold Expressions: African American Quilts is a new exhibition at the
Mingei Museum in Balboa Park. When I received the announcement in the mail, I knew this was going to be one I would revisit often. All of the quilts are from the collection of one woman, Corrine Riley. There seems to be a little bit of everything in this collection: applique, log cabins, Star of Bethlehem, crazy quilts, wonky blocks and more.
 |
| Made sometime in the 1950's in East Texas |
I had all the best intentions of going first thing this morning when the lighting would be right in the gallery. However, City College graduation was taking place and parking was nonexistent. I made another attempt this afternoon and managed to find a spot in the 20 minute parking. Ha! What was I thinking? Twenty minutes is not enough. Especially when you end up talking quilting to docents and the guard. They weren't quilters so it was a great opportunity to share my enthusiasm.
 |
| Made sometime in the 1940's in Alabama |
These are the only pictures that came out halfway decently with my little camera. I'll be going back to get the exhibition catalog and will be able to show you more in another post. There are some really great quilts in this group.
 |
| Made sometime in the 1930's in Alabama |
|
I was telling the docents I felt this was more of a testament to women and the way they care for their families and loved ones than it was of the quilting tradition. All of these quilts were made by African American women to be used in their homes. They were functional but they were also full of heart and soul. They used what they had on hand and they put their own signature on it with the designs they worked in fabric and thread.
 |
| Made sometime in the 1940's in Alabama |
Each of these quilts is a story. A snapshot of a particular family at a particular time in their history. The stories may be lost but the snapshot remains. Each a tribute to one woman and her struggles to care for those she loved.
If you live in the area, or close enough to make a day trip of it, go visit the Mingei. You'll be inspired.
Good grief! I have some East Texas quilts! Made by my grandmother's though. But it's the same time period of many of their quilts. I wonder where she lived in East Texas. I would love the stories behind the quilts. Wouldn't you? Yes I would be standing there with you chiming in about sewing and fabric! hahaha!
ReplyDeleteOhh Wow!! That is definately an exhibition worth seeing a few more times. Those few photos were so amazing that I'll be back to visit this post!! I loved that you spread the love about quilts to the docents and guard.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful quilts, thanks for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteI love the wonkiness of the first one. It seems free. The wonky cuts seem to emphasize the fact that the maker made it for a reason that had nothing to do with hanging in a gallery, museum, or any place for judgement or sale. I think that sort of quilting might get me excited to revisit the whole quilting thing. It makes me think ... if we knew no one would ever see ... what would we do differently? What, then, is our reason behind whatever work we do? I wonder if answering this question before and during of the project, might make it more "true", valid, successful? I think this topic now has opened a new conversation I will be having with myself. Thanks for the photos. Find better parking, I want to see more. Carolina
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing,
ReplyDeleteI've never seen before these quilts or this collection.
For me they are beautiful, full of energy and creativity. Really love improv quilts.
Saludos from Spain