Bold Statements

In this second annual collaboration with Lincoln’s NAACP Youth Council, the International Quilt Museum is featuring a virtual pop-up that pairs the work of African American quiltmakers with responses from local students in Lincoln Public Schools. The students examined quilts by Sarah Mary Taylor, Nora McKeown Ezell, Mary Maxtion, Yvonne Wells and Faith Ringgold, and crafted reaction statements that explore ideas of design, color and emotion, as well as connections to their own life experiences.

Many of the quilts in this exhibition are part of the Robert and Helen Cargo Collection, which focuses on African American quilts and quiltmakers of the Deep South, and especially those from Alabama. Robert Cargo said of the African American quilts he collected, "As a group, these quilts have the qualities that excite me as I grow older - bold, eccentric, idiosyncratic, improvisational, brightly colored."

As we encouraged the students to engage in close-viewing of these quilts through high-resolution images, so too we encourage the audience to visit these quilts on the linked individual archive pages, to better enjoy their vibrancy, texture, and detailed craftsmanship.

Featured Works

Bird Quilt
Sarah Mary Taylor
Made in Yazoo City, Mississippi, United States
Circa 1990-2000
IQM 2005.060.0001

“I like how each bird is different. They are all either a different color in the grouping or they are in a different position each in each block. In a way it shows that not only are birds different from each other, it can show that people are different from each other too.” - Jza Nevah, Grade 12

“The birds on this quilt remind me of when I wake up in the morning and the birds go to one branch and sit there.” - Za’Khyriah, Grade 6

“I like how each bird is a different perspective, along with its colors and patterns. It’s something refreshing to see and it’s very creative.” - Aneesa, Grade 12

“There are different designs on the wings and there are a lot of colors.” - Kahmylia, Grade 3

“I love the diversity in color and placement of the birds of this quilt. I have always had an appreciation for the birds that come up to my deck, so I experience contentment and energizing vibes when looking at this piece.” - Emilee, Grade 11

Man With Scarf
Sarah Mary Taylor
Made in Yazoo City, Mississippi, United States
Circa 1980-1990
IQM 2015.032.0001

“[This quilt] makes me think of it snowing and everyone wearing scarves.” - Zyrion, Grade 5

“I notice that in the squares the colors match a different body. Also they are in different poses and their faces are red, blue, and white.” - Kahmylia, Grade 3

“This piece reminds me of a 80s/90s cartoon show. The 2D style of the art and the cool-toned color scheme makes me feel relaxed. If this piece were a time of day, it would be 5:25pm. It kind of reminds me of the opening scene of Monsters Inc., with the doors.” - Anh, Grade 12

“It has different pieces and the scarfs match the color of their faces. Their bodies are posing differently.” - Za’Khyriah, Grade 6

“This quilt gives me a 90s vibe. I do not know if that was intended, but the colors make me think back to my childhood and how I had no responsibilities. That thought makes me smile so I really like this quilt. The man also looks like a Gumby character which is older than the 90s, but they still fit one another.” - Brandon, Grade 12

Target
Nora McKeown Ezell
Made in Eutaw, Greene County, Alabama, United States
Circa 1959-1960
Robert & Helen Cargo Collection of African American Quilts
IQM 2000.004.0027

“This is probably my most favorite quilt out of all of them. I love the vibrant colors and the different textures as well. I also LOVE the teal border as well, it’s such a beautiful color.” - Manal, Grade 12

“I see that they all have a different color and I also notice that they have their own style and pattern to them. It looks kind of like a huge window to me. Some of the circles looks like planets of the solar system in space.” - Za’Khyriah, Grade 6

“I really like this one because it gives me another sort of vintage vibe which I obviously adore. I also feel entranced when I look into every one because they are all different in color and design.” - Brandon, Grade 12

“There are a lot of colors in all of them and I think that the art is very pretty and I see lots of different patterns and detail in the background.” - Kahmylia, Grade 3

“[This quilt] makes me think of sitting outside during the summer and looking at a bunch of pretty flowers.” - Zyrion, Grade 5

“I love the colors of this piece. The shapes and colors are so randomly yet precisely put into place that it makes me want to try and pick out images that could be formed from them, but stop and just appreciate the whole piece in itself.” - Emilee, Grade 11

Cathedral Windows variation
Nora McKeown Ezell
Made in Eutaw, Greene County, Alabama, United States
Circa 1985-1990
Robert & Helen Cargo Collection of African American Quilts
IQM 2000.004.0026

“There is something a bit hypnotic about this piece. It makes me feel a bit dazed and relaxed. It definitely reminds me of stained glass windows. I like the repetition of the one shape and the red dots. The color scheme is very nice as well. It reminds me of a 2000s family movie.” - Anh, Grade 12

“I like this piece because I see this pattern a lot and have seen it more recently. The colors are, in a way, darker more towards the middle of the quilt, then they seem to get a little brighter on the outsides. It brings a content emotion to me because it’s pretty chill and it would be something I would put on my living room couch or an ottoman.” - Jza Nevah, Grade 12

“I like how it’s simple but conveys so much, from the patterns to the colors that were used. It reminds me of a blanket I had growing up.” - Aneesa, Grade 12

“The shape in the middle makes a star and it makes me think of a turtle shell. I can also see many, many colors and it has a pattern.” - Za’Khyriah, Grade 6

“I look at this one as a beehive. It looks like there are bees inside. I also see a lot of different colors. The middle shape, that makes it look like a snowflake.” - Kahmylia, Grade 3

“From my view it looks like I am walking down a big staircase going round and round.” - Zyrion, Grade 5

“I definitely feel a sense of comfort and happiness when looking at this quilt. I love the movement and colors chosen and can imagine it as a real stained glass window with light refracting through, the kind that you would find in a cathedral.” - Emilee, Grade 11

Mule
Mary Maxtion
Made in Boligee, Greene County, Alabama, United States
Circa 1990-2000
Robert & Helen Cargo Collection of African American Quilts
IQM 2000.004.0062

“The first thing that attracted my eye was the ‘pouring’ of the colored cubes from the middle section to the bottom right section. It reminds me of the ‘glitch’ art effect that is really popular right now. I like the simple black shape to symbolize the mules. It balances out the complexity and busyness in the background.” - Anh Grade 12

“I love the contrast of the very bright, crazy blocks with the simple black shapes that represent the mules. I also adore the different shapes the mules are - each very different but yet very similar to an eye that doesn’t pay them very much attention. The mules, to me, look out of place in this crazy bright background but when you look at them all together, they feel like they’re in the perfect place.” - Shahla, Grade 11

“Each of the mules stand out. In the background of each mule, there are many vibrant colors and then the brown or teal color that I’m not sure [what it] would really represent; the sun maybe? Each mule has something different about them. The top mule on the left and the bottom are almost the same, but one looks bigger than the other.” - Jza Nevah, Grade 12

“It makes me think of, it is raining down confetti and there’s a bunch of piñatas.” - Zyrion, Grade 5

“All the different colors in the background are so much fun, and really highlight the outline of the different mules. I used to have a couple donkeys which are similar to mules, and I think this quilt really represents their spirit well. They definitely give a lot to people.” - Emilee, Grade 11

Pinwheel
Mary Maxtion
Made in Boligee, Greene County, Alabama, United States
Circa 1980-1995
Robert & Helen Cargo Collection of African American Quilts
IQM 2000.004.0087

“I feel as though this design on the quilt was copy and pasted from a computer but I know that is not true. This quilt makes me feel warm because the colors remind me of the sun setting after a long day, and I am curled up with my blanket about to watch a movie.” - Brandon, Grade 12

“This piece makes me think of a kaleidoscope. It looks like if you used one to look up at the sun. The minimalist art style makes me feel like it should be classified as modern, but the color scheme and pattern feels familiar and gives off a warm energy.” - Anh, Grade 12

“I like the contrast of not only the colors but the shape as well. It repeats itself but stays consistent at the same time.”- Aneesa, Grade 12

“This makes me think of windmills. I like the colors of yellow and orange and it makes me think of Fall.” - Za’Khyriah, Grade 6

“It makes me think of, I’m walking in a room full of giant diamonds. Diamonds because it kind of has a crystal shape and the colors are bright.” - Zyrion, Grade 5

Going Home
Yvonne Wells
Made in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Circa 1987-1990
Robert & Helen Cargo Collection of African American Quilts
IQM 2000.004.0146

“This is my favorite quilt out of them all. The design is so simple but that plays to its favor. The colors remind me of children’s books I would read when I was younger. I am sorry, I just really like this quilt.” - Brandon, Grade 12

“[It] makes me think of seeing white doves flying around.” - Zyrion, Grade 5

“This quilt drew my attention because of its simplicity. It’s not too overly detailed and I love the colors; they all correspond very well. The first thing that came to mind when I saw it was that everyone’s life and definition of home is different and unique!” - Maathir, Grade 10

“Going Home reminds me of when I was on a road trip and we were on our way back home.” - Kahmylia, Grade 3

“This [quilt] reminds me of birds migrating.” - Za’Khyriah, Grade 6

“This quilt really caught my eye. I like the use of the bright red color as it contrasts very well with the light values of the birds and the sun. It makes me feel a bit solemn. The lone bird flying away from the other birds gives a sense of isolation and sadness. There is also a blue shape in the corner that I did not notice at first. Though the colors are bright, there is something very sad within the piece that juxtaposes it nicely. This piece makes me think of slow jazz music.” - Anh, Grade 12

“The first thing I notice about this quilt is the bird that is flying the opposite direction, and I get almost a bittersweet feeling after seeing that the title is “Going Home.' I can relate this to my own life as a student soon to “leave the nest” and wanting to study out of state, and eventually out of the country, when no one in my family ever has. I will soon go to find my own home.” - Emilee, Grade 11

Lovers with a Broken Heart
Yvonne Wells
Made in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Circa 1987-1990
Robert & Helen Cargo Collection of African American Quilts
IQM 2000.004.0144

“This piece makes me feel like I am watching one of my favorite childhood shows again. I like the simple red circle for the sun. I also like the minimalist cut out for the birds.There is something very beautiful in the simplicity of this piece. It almost feels nostalgic and like I have seen this art before. I like the use of the white-colored background and red background. It is the perfect amount of texture and colors to contrast the birds but also not take attention away from them.” - Anh, Grade 12

“Even though this one is called “Lovers with a Broken Heart,” I still get more of a positive feeling when looking at it. Since there is stitching down the middle, I see it as two halves of a heart put together more than a broken heart. I also love the simplicity of this piece and the abstract-styled sky.” - Emilee, Grade 11

The Women: Mask Face Quilt #1
Faith Ringgold
Made in New York City, United States
Circa 1986-1990
Ardis and Robert James Collection
IQM 1997.007.1082

“This reminds me of a convention because there are a lot of people there.” - Kahmylia, Grade 3

“This piece, as well as [The Men: Mask Face Quilt #2], reminds me of the Harlem Renaissance. I’m not sure if the depicted people are specific people in history but they do seem like it. The mismatched heads with the upper torso is a nice touch as well as the unique border. The colors, though seeming random, seem to work very well together.” - Manal, Grade 12

The Men: Mask Face Quilt #2
Faith Ringgold
Made in New York City, United States
Circa 1986-1990
Ardis and Robert James Collection
IQM 1997.007.1083

“Both [The Women: Mask Face Quilt #1] and [The Men: Mask Face Quilt #2] make me think of times when Martin Luther King Jr. was protesting and the faces represent Black people fighting for their rights.” - Za’Khyriah, Grade 6

“This piece reminds me of elementary school. It reminds me of my elementary school cafeteria where they would display the students’ art. I love the use of color and the different torsos shown. There is a lot going on in this piece, but it works very nicely. The color palette attracts the eye nicely and balances the piece well.” - Anh, Grade 12

“I am going to speak for [both The Women: Mask Face Quilt #1 and The Men: Mask Face Quilt #2] in this one, because to me, they have the same principles. That does not mean they are exactly the same, but their overall design and story coincide with each other. It’s impressive that these two quilts can still feel together, but if you take them apart then a message is still understandable. These quilts make me feel a mixed way because what I see is a group of people that look different in so many ways, and yet society still classifies them as a whole. Their stories are different just like mine, but at the end of the day there is only one race and that is the human race.” - Brandon, Grade 12

Featured Works

First Friday Fun

Support for this exhibition has been provided by Mary Ann Beavers Education Support Fund, the Cooper Foundation, Mark and Diann Sorenson Education and Outreach Fund, Humanities Nebraska, National Endowment for the Humanities, Nebraska Arts Council and Nebraska Cultural Endowment. The Nebraska Arts Council, a state agency, has supported this exhibition through its matching grants program funded by the Nebraska Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment. Visit www.artscouncil.nebraska.gov for more information.

Past

Event Date

Monday, February 1, 2021 to Sunday, February 28, 2021