Ancient Writing

Anni Albers, Ancient Writing, 1936, cotton and rayon, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Young, 1984.150
Copied Anni Albers, Ancient Writing, 1936, cotton and rayon, 59 1⁄4 x 44 in. (150.5 x 111.8 cm.), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Young, 1984.150

Artwork Details

Title
Ancient Writing
Artist
Date
1936
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
59 1⁄4 x 44 in. (150.5 x 111.8 cm.)
Credit Line
Gift of John Young
Mediums
Mediums Description
cotton and rayon
Classifications
Subjects
  • Abstract — geometric
Object Number
1984.150
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1984.150

Artwork Description

Anni Albers immigrated to the U.S. to teach at the experimental Black Mountain College in 1933. She took a holistic approach to teaching, encouraging her students to consider weaving from first principles. She asked them to imagine finding themselves alone in nature, with nothing but the materials at hand to keep warm, build shelter, and collect food. Their first crude attempts to create blankets and basketry led to a deeper appreciation of the refined systems of modern weaving.

Connections: Contemporary Craft at the Renwick Gallery, 2019