03.19.06
Ikat Textiles at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
There is a small and fascinating textile show at the Metropolitan Museum called, “The Fabric of Life: Ikat Textiles of Indonesia.” As a fiber artist I make it a priority to see what is out there in the textile world. You never know where inspiration may come from or what you may learn.
I knew that ikat was a dying process, but I had no idea of the level of complexity and intricacy involved. This show explained the process clearly — verbally and visually. I have a completely new level of appreciation for the artists of Indonesia.
This is a little loom on display in the show.
The brace on the right goes behind the weaver’s back. The other end is tied to a tree or, I imagine, some other type of stationery object. To adjust the tension in the warp threads, the weaver leans forward or back.
Here I am looking at head scarves. (Thank you Mr. Photographer for lying down on the floor to get the whole image!) You cannot tell in this photo, but the head scarves have open-work woven into the pieces.
The end of a long day walking in
Central Park and looking at art.