Jazz quilts take center stage in the exhibition “Textural Rhythms: Constructing the Jazz Tradition †Contemporary African American Quilts” at the American Folk Art Museum’s branch location at 2 Lincoln Square.
These contemporary quilts by members of the Women of Color Quilters Network are vibrant riffs inspired by jazz music. Organized by renowned quilt artist Dr Carolyn Mazloomi, founder and coordinator of the Women of Color Quilters Network, the 64 quilts by 55 quilt artists (including four men) are on view in two back-to-back presentations through June 14 and then again June 20⁁ugust 23.
Focusing on quilts inspired by the music, viewers are able to see, hear and feel jazz through these textiles. As a group, the quilts illustrate the various styles and techniques in which multiple histories, traditions and inspirations are expressed.
Some quiltmakers pay homage to their favorite musicians, such as “Satchmo,” a portrait of Louis Armstrong, by Bisa Butler and “Favorite Things” by Adriene Cruz that captures the intensity of John Coltrane’s music. In the second presentation, Alice Beasley honors Miles Davis in her quilt “Miles Ahead” and Peggy Hartwell salutes Weldon Irvine, jazz artist, lyricist and teacher, in “Jammin’ †Passing It On: Celebrating the Life of Weldon Irvine.”
Others interpret their favorite song. Kyra Hicks in her quilt “He Played Me…and Sang in My Ear” muses on the piano and violin notes of Regina Carter’s “Reflections” and how they meshed with her life.
“Strange Fruit” by Marlene O’Bryant-Seabrook, on view in the first presentation, and “Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday” by Dr Edward Bostick in the second part, refer to the power of Billie Holiday and the emotional impact of her signature song. Also in part two, well-known New York quilt artist Michael Cummings celebrates the great female jazz singers in “Satin Doll.”
Some quilts reflect on the role jazz has played historically in the formation of African American identity. In Marla Jackson’s quilt “Life in Jazz,” she depicts the contrast between the Cotton Club in New York City and the 18th and Vine Jazz District in Kansas City, Mo., and how it reveals aspects of African American life. “Second Line King” by Denise Campbell, seen in the second installation, commemorates family, culture and the Great Migration of the Twentieth Century from the South to the North.
Accompanying the exhibition is the fully illustrated book Textural Rhythms: Quilting the Jazz Tradition by Carolyn L. Mazloomi, with a foreword by Faith Ringgold and contributions by Farah Jasmine Griffin and Tammy L. Kernodle.
For more information, www.folkartmuseum.org or 212-595-9533.
