Patchwork — Precursor of Modern Art
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007
MUNICH – Amish quilts cross the fine line separating crafts and art. The quilt makers never thought of themselves as artists. Even if they had wanted to, their religion would probably have forbidden such a thought. The Amish who fled Europe in search of religious freedom settled in the American Midwest and Canada where they were often referred to as “plain people” because they eschewed any form of ornament.
Their farm houses were clean and sparsely furnished. The only splash of color – the fanciful patchwork quilts. Who would ever have thought these utilitarian objects that covered beds and cribs would be the precursors of modern art? (more…)