still not

Copied Chawne Kimber, still not, 2019, mid-century fabric, quilting cotton,and denim with cotton sashiko thread, 71 1469 18 in., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Museum purchase made possible by Nedra and Peter Agnew in honor of the James Renwick Alliance, 2021.83, © 2019, Chawne Kimber

Artwork Details

Title
still not
Date
2019
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
71 1469 18 in.
Copyright
© 2019, Chawne Kimber
Credit Line
Museum purchase made possible by Nedra and Peter Agnew in honor of the James Renwick Alliance
Mediums
Mediums Description
mid-century fabric, quilting cotton,and denim with cotton sashiko thread
Object Number
2021.83

Artwork Description

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



Exhibitions

Quilt featuring the portrait of a woman
This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World
May 13, 2022April 2, 2023
This Present Moment: Crafting a Better World showcases the dynamic landscape of American craft today.