Magnificent Art Quilts By African American Quilt Masters

For collectors and admirers, African American inspired art quilts are beautifully crafted textile paintings on display in the finest homes, in public spaces and in museums.

I was first introduced to quiltmaking by my grandmother. It was amazing how she turned the need to keep us warm at night into beauty by piecing together family history from grandpa’s old shirt, her apron strings, a baby’s blankets and anything else she chose to give a second life.

Years later while visting a museum I was awestruck by a larger than life quilt that took my breath away.  The quilt was Tar Baby by Faith Ringgold.   I fell in love with quilts all over again and I’ve been a fan of art quilts ever since.

The Origins of Art Quilts …

The tradition of quiltmaking by African Americans dates back to slavery.  It’s been said during slave times some quilts had symbolic designs sewn into them and were hung on the underground railroad trail to help guide runaways to safe houses on the route north.

Art quilts are a contemporary artform that transform traditional quiltmaking into visual storytelling through the use of fabric, embellishment and technique.   Art quilts have become an important element of African American art because they showcase the rich artistry, ingenuity and creativity that is unique to people of African origin in America.

Since quiltmaking is such a rich part of American history, the evolutions of quilting from function to art was inevitable.  The art quilt artists showcased below are masters at bringing the African American experience to life through the Art of Quilting.

 

Harriet Powers is considered to be the mother of African American quiltmaking. Her quilts are considered the finest examples of quiltmaking in the 19th century.  Harriet Powers was born a slave in October 1837.  She used applique techniques to make the images to tell stories in her quilts.

 

Bible Quilt “Jacob’s Dream” by Harriet Powers, 1886.

 

Faith Ringgold is one of the worlds preeminent quilt artist. Her painted story quilts recall fond memories of growing up in Harlem and historically significant African Americans.

Faith Ringgold – Tar Baby 2

Carolyn Mazloomi – Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around quilt

Ed Johnetta Miller – Quilt

 

Cuesta BenBerry – Stars quilt

Michael Cummings – Mecklenburg, NC quilt ala Romare Bearden

Peggie Hartwell – Wild Horses quilt

 

Denise Campbell – Kenya to Kansas quilt

Bisa Butler – Homage to Nina Simone quilt

Barbara Pietila – Signifyin

Yvonne Wells – Me Masked 2

I hope you have enjoyed this journey.

You may just consider including an art quilt as part of your art collection in the future.

My love of textiles and art has definitely made me a happy collector.

Until next time …