AFRICAN AMERICAN QUILTS
African American arts have helped to shape America’s visual culture, but only in recent years have they received proper recognition for their contribution, both by the fine art world and the wider population. Influenced mostly by a mixture of African, European and Native American heritages, African American art has a distinctive aesthetic, expressed in art forms including paintings, woodcarvings, basket weaving, pottery and, of course, textiles such as quilts.
Quilting traditions
Although hugely varied in their compositions, there are recognisable traits that distinguish African American quilts from their European and American counterparts. Common features include: the use of strips; unpredictable geometry, such as asymmetry and changing scales; improvisation; and bright colours. The quilts also often incorporate familial themes and
