By the 20th century, many in Sweden worried about the ravages of industrialization, urbanization, and emigration on traditional ways of life; Norway was gripped in a struggle for national independence; and the indigenous Sámi communities rose up in protests that demanded political recognition and sparked cultural renewal. “Dressing with Purpose” examines three of the Scandinavian […]

This exhibition of Peruvian textiles, showcasing 278 pre-Columbian textile pieces from its own collection plus some loaned from others, is a stunning overview of the techniques, materials and tools used over a period of more than 2000 years. These textiles still encourage an exchange that combines archaeology, urban, cultural and design history as well ascontemporary […]

Spanning iconic mid-20th century to contemporary creatives through photographs, textiles, music and the visual arts, Africa Fashion explores the vitality and global impact of a fashion scene as dynamic and varied as the continent itself. Victoria & Albert Museum. Africa Fashion. Through April 16, 2023. London, England. https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/africa-fashion   Cotton cloth, 1900-49, Ghana. ©Victoria and […]

Discover the extraordinary human stories behind five centuries of quilts. Featuring works by more than forty artists, including Harriet Powers, Bisa Butler, and Sanford Biggers, this exhibition illuminates the unique capacity quilts have to tell stories and convey a sense of humanity. It celebrates the artistry and vision of a diverse and largely under-recognized group of creators. ¶Originally organized […]

From headdresses and helmets to turbans and crowns, explore the vital role of ceremonial headwear throughout diverse cultural customs, beliefs, and rituals. This exhibition features headwear from forty-three countries spanning Asia, Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America, most dating from the mid to late 20th century, with many types still worn […]

The stories in Rugged Beauty showcase the living traditions of western Asia, a vast and culturally rich region of the world. Each of the more than forty objects on display were made by hand, predominantly dyed by hand, and hand-woven using the knotted-pile weaving technique. Though the individual identities of the makers are mostly unknown, […]