Description
The noted Chicago artist Claire Zeisler was a sculptor who, worked off the loom, handled fiber as others handle wood, metal or stone. In this work, a cascade of tightly knotted and wrapped strands of natural hemp falls into a whorl of loose ends that form the base. The simplicity of the natural hemp is enhanced by the flawless craftsmanship, which was inspired by Pre-Columbian textile techniques and the American Indian woven baskets Zeisler collected throughout her life.
Provenance
The artist, Chicago [Invoice, Jan. 13, 1987; incoming receipt RX16361, Dec. 17, 1986; copies in curatorial object file]; sold to the Art Institute of Chicago, 1986.
Accession Number
65209
Medium
Hemp; knotting (multiple chain knots); twisted and wrapped cords; cut fringe
Dimensions
345.5 × 307.4 × 292.1 cm (136 × 121 × 115 in.)
Classification
fiber art
Credit Line
Marian and Samuel Klasstorner Endowment