by Lester Fernandez
When observing all the different works and mediums during my recent visit to the American Folk Art Museum I realized that the concept of “multitudes” is truly shown. Art can express a variety of experiences and different talents from almost all walks of life. From paintings and quilts to sculptures and drawings, each of the 400-plus works in the MULTITUDES exhibit holds a different history and a different perspective which truly embodies the meaning of folk art. I realized how vast folk art can be, how the scale of self taught art can branch out into all concepts and fields of work.
The differences between each work of art really allowed me to recognize my own interests within MULTITUDES. It wasn’t a surprise to me that the quilts were my favorite pieces in the exhibit. While interning at the museum I learned about Gee’s Bend. Starting in the 19th century, women who were descendants of enslaved African Americans working on an Alabama cotton plantation owned by Joseph Gee started making these intricate and creative quilts. Decades down the line these amazing quilts have been exhibited in art galleries and museums. What started as bed covers have become art pieces to be hung on a wall and showcased. The geometric patterns and color symmetry woven into the quilts are so beautiful.
This particular quilt was made by Lucy Mingo, one of Gee’s Bend’s leading spokespeople during the civil rights movement. As quilts hold a strong prevalent history, this art form reminds me of my childhood bed, bringing forth a nostalgic, comforting feeling. I can imagine taking it off the wall and wrapping it around myself. But also it reminds me of art during the abstract expressionist era and the connotation with evoking emotion through shape and color.
Another artist whose work I loved, which is completely on the opposite spectrum of art, is Susan Te Kahurangi King. Her whimsical, cartoonish drawings are made with graphite and many other drawing tools. King’s work emphasizes color with some bright and some neutral colors that come together in a repeating pattern. The repetition of patterns and colors somewhat distorts the characters depicted in these drawings. Although still representational, these characters are bent, warped, and curved into one harmonious drawing where you can’t necessarily grasp any accurate action taking place.
To explore MULTITUDES in person, visit the museum’s website for a free ticket.
Museum Career Internship Program 