Effective storytelling through strong shapes and spatial relations
Pictorial Quilt, Harriet Powers,
Quiltmaking is an important tradition passed down through generations. Functional while still displaying artistic freedom, quilts became a medium that is historically important to the African American community. Though being a craft traditionally for the upper white echelons, African Americans, specifically those who were slaves, adopted this and made it their own by imbruing African art influences, unique techniques, vibrant colors, engaging patterns, and, sometimes, underlying narratives.
Among the most famous quilters is Harriet Powers (1837 - 1910), a slave born in Georgia who learned the art of embroidery and quilting either through her plantation mistress or other slaves. Even after the Civil War, she continued to create quilts especially those depicting biblical stories. Powers’ incredible storytelling skills caught the eye of the art department head of the Lucy Cobb Institute, who was enthralled by the use of patterns, geometric shaping, and overall simplicity that still ingeniously held a message. The rest of her artistic career is shrouded in mystery.
Below is our art tutorial based on Harriet Powers' wonderful quilts! You can use any medium you want, as long as it allows you to understand and fulfill the basic principles of storytelling in art.
And that's art.