‘Stories in the Seams’ Showcases the Enduring Legacy of Black Quilts Across Centuries
From 18th-century hand-appliqué cotton bedcovers to contemporary narrative textile works, Black quilts tell innumerable stories. Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article ‘Stories in the Seams’ Showcases the Enduring Legacy of Black Quilts Across Centuries appeared first on…
"Stories in the Seams" offers a glimpse into the enduring legacy of Black quilts throughout history. The Underground Railroad, a network of safe houses that helped freedom-seekers from the South escape to the North, may have even utilized quilt block patterns as coded directions for travelers. Though this remains a legend, the storytelling aspect of quilts is a vital part of African American history.
The book, set to release on October 6, covers quilts from the 18th century to the present day, including works by artists such as Viola Burla Leak, Ruth Clement Bond, Bisa Butler, Basil Kincaid, and Faith Ringgold. The quilts tell stories of various experiences, including the Watts Riot of 1965, which was sparked by racist abuse and discrimination, as well as poverty and employment discrimination.
Crafted by enslaved women during slavery and later by freed individuals in the Reconstruction era, quilting evolved into a means of generating resources and expressing cultural identity during times of uncertainty.
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