What do you think, makers? Are quilts art or craft?
I have put together a booklet exploring the definitions of art and craft in the context of quilts, specifically considering the Gee’s Bend quilt exhibition in 2002. This is an important and relevant debate for us as quilters and makers, so I encourage you to sit down with a cup of tea and a cookie to peruse and join in the discussion. Yvonne of Quilting Jet Girl is also opening up her blog as a platform for debate with a fascinating interview with her father-in-law about art vs. hobby in the art community.
Sit back. Join in. Even if it's not right now, come back when you have time and let us know your thoughts. Can a quilt be considered art?
Can a quilt be considered art?
Can a quilt be considered art? The “art versus craft” argument is hotly debated as creators seek to migrate from the unwanted label of craftsman to that of artist. Unfortunately, these classifications are often passed down by higher authorities, such as art critics and museums, with little input from the people whose work is being classified. Art museums have long defined the canon of high art, and database d entering the inner circle of the permanent collection is arduous and sometimes nearly impossible. Although quilts are generally considered folk art, the Gee’s Bend Quilt Exhibition in 2002 pushed the boundaries and blazed a trail in the art scene through strategic staging and language. Some critics vehemently took issue with the overthrowing of such hierarchies and the context in which the quilts were placed. However, many strongly supported the statement and appreciation for the quilts, as art has grown remarkably from this monumental collection.
What are the definitions?
Creators of many media question the distinctions between “art” and “craft,” so where do they come from? Indeed, art museums have the coveted position of determining these boundaries. Peter Marizio, director of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, the first home of Gee’s Bend quilts, posits that art museums should simultaneously