Quilts of Gees Bend

February 6, 2005 12:16 PM

The Quilts of Gees BendAmazing quilts from a town in Alabama, these are quilts as abstract art. Women in the town have been making them for years, and now they are featured in an art exhibition. The designs are incredible, as is the history of the women who make them.
posted by Salmonberry (15 comments total)

This one is my favourite.
posted by Salmonberry at 12:17 PM on February 6, 2005

wow. cool stuff sb. i've just started digging around. nice :)
posted by Stynxno at 12:18 PM on February 6, 2005

I like this one.

Excellent post!
posted by Steve_at_Linnwood at 12:18 PM on February 6, 2005

If you like quilts and find yourself near Paducah, Kentucky, you may enjoy the Museum of the American Quilters' Society.
posted by Doohickie at 12:37 PM on February 6, 2005

awesome!
posted by mcsweetie at 12:55 PM on February 6, 2005

The amount of time and piecing involved with Shooting Stars and this fan variation blows my effing mind.
posted by fluffy battle kitten at 1:19 PM on February 6, 2005

Sleeping under one of those things would be awesome. All those hand-stitched vibes would kinda put my Ikea duvet to shame. Great post!
posted by fire&wings at 1:46 PM on February 6, 2005

When I first saw this, I was immediately reminded of Alice Walker's "Everyday Use." Apparently, I wasn't the only one.
posted by hue at 2:40 PM on February 6, 2005

pbs had a great program about these women and the 'road show' was at the smithsonian not too long ago.

a friend in chicago had the show at the museum where she works and she said that the hugs from the quilters felt like.......................
posted by emdog at 3:19 PM on February 6, 2005

I saw the "Quilts" show at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 2002. Seeing them in person was amazing. Especially the early, denim work clothes quilts. They have an intense physical presence. Not only are they beautiful, they also have a patina of use in both the original clothing, and in their use as quilts. The history of stains and worn out spots keep them from being only beautiful. They are real, and they are political, as well as being absolutely beautiful.
posted by R. Mutt at 5:09 PM on February 6, 2005

I saw this at the Whitney as well, and it was easily one of the most rewarding exhibits I've visited ever. Completely amazing.
posted by josh at 5:50 PM on February 6, 2005

Excellent post, Salmonberry - thanks! I just recently watched the PBS show that emdog mentioned - beyond the quilts, the entire story of these women and their town is very moving and very inspirational.

Here are more quilts - I love this one. Here are 20 photos of Gee's Bend from 1935-1945 that give a view of the environment in which they were created.
posted by madamjujujive at 10:34 PM on February 6, 2005

Salmonberry wins! This is the best one.

Wait, no, madamjujuvive throws in: these are some quality quilts here, here, and here. Hit mjjj's link, too!

I've decided to make a quilt for my best two friend's wedding (ie. my best two friends getting married). That was last October, though, and while I had the basic idea last spring, I've been lacking the inspiration to get it done. I know have that. Thanks all.

And I hereby copyright the cool designs, none of the Gees Bend women thought of that, did they? I'll willing to negotiate on licenses. Each of the linked quilt designs will cost $200 each. I'm willing to discuss volume or student discounts.
posted by theatrical matriarch at 11:09 PM on February 6, 2005

If I have the juju stamp of approval, I know I've done well. Those links are great, thanks! I might take up quilting after seeing all of these.
posted by Salmonberry at 11:26 PM on February 6, 2005

ooh. I missed this earlier, somehow. Too many great ones to choose from, but I'm seriously coveting this. Thanks, Salmonberry and juju!!!
posted by taz at 11:56 PM on February 7, 2005