Quilts, Pixels and the V & A

I spent a really pleasant hour at the Quilts 1700 – 2010 exhibition yesterday, which showcases a wide range of quilts, some of historical significance, others more utilitarian and reflective of a more frugal past, and yet others making striking artistic statements with a strong sociological message from the present day.  The exhibition, which is part sponsored by Coats, lasts until 4 July 2010 and is well worth a visit.  This is the second time this year I’ve visited the V & A, my last visit taking in the Decode Digital Designs showcase, subject of a previous blogpost.  In many ways, the ability to host both the traditional art of quilting and  the leading edge of digital design so effectively shows the diversity of the V & A. Interestingly, though it might seem on the surface that digital design and quilting must be poles apart, there is a similarity in my eyes between them.  The aggregation of tiny pieces of material and stitching in repeating patterns to form an overall effect where we have to concentrate to home in on the building blocks, reminds me of how different pixels make up screens, where again the eye takes in the overall picture.  Take a look at this traditional pieced quilt from the American Folk Art Museum for example, or some stunning later work from Paula Nadelstern.  I do recall when I lived in New York State some years ago that quilting and crafting generally were far more to the fore in Department stores than they were in the UK at the time (mid 80s) and in many homes I visited, a sewing machine seemed to be set up and part of the living room just as a norm.  I took advantage of that and bought a fair bit of specialist equipment for doing this stuff myself one day, if I ever have time.  OK, I may not get FU money, but I certainly have an FU hobby, as you can do this stuff very cheaply using tiny pieces of leftover material [unlike the more expensive pre-cut packs in the museum shop!]