Object Details
Artist
Chawne Kimber, born Frankfort, KY 1971
Exhibition Label
Chawne Kimber stitches her experience as a Black woman in the United States on her monumental quilt, still not. The backdrop of Kimber’s text is a body of bluesy denim patches, framed by pops of colorful fabric—all sourced from mid-century textiles. Kimber’s choice to use vintage cloth and improvisational patterns draws on her memories and family history. Many of her enslaved ancestors in rural Alabama cultivated and ginned cotton. Her great-grandmother, Mamo, and other relatives expressed themselves through quilting. The family participated in quilting circles to chat, cry, laugh, think, and mend—to create a home together. Mamo’s story was told through her quilts, and Kimber continues the thread.
This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World, 2022
Credit Line
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by Nedra and Peter Agnew in honor of the James Renwick Alliance
Copyright
© 2019, Chawne Kimber
Date
2019
Object number
2021.83
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
(not assigned)
Quilt
Crafts
Medium
mid-century fabric, quilting cotton,and denim with cotton sashiko thread
Dimensions
71 1/4 x 69 1/8 in.
See more items in
Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection
Department
Renwick Gallery
Data Source
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
saam_2021.83