Gee's Bend artistry - Letters - Letter to the Editor

To the Editors:

I want to thank Richard Kalina for his courageous and clear article about the quilts of Gee's Bend [A.i.A., Oct '03]. They are indeed works of high art that evoke empathetic and thoughtful responses. How refreshing not to have these pieces characterized as craft or folk art, as usually happens due to their geographic origin, materials and function. Kalina, to his credit, does not critically demote them on the basis of the makers' lack of formal art training. He considers instead how one responds to the quilts, which he eloquently conveys with words like "innovative power ... emotionally evocative formal objects ... compelling visual statements ... [art objects] which declare themselves viscerally, directly."

They are also uniquely inspired body-image works not only because they were used as essential warming objects but also because they were often formed out of the well-worn clothes of community members. In describing these profoundly beautiful artworks made by quilters who came together for survival, Kalina has described some of the conditions necessary for the development of any creative community, where both individual and collaborative works are intentionally fostered--thus forging a cultural language.

Let us make ourselves open and ready to experience the finest art even where we might least expect it.

Christy Bergland

Baltimore

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