Two pieces from GMD's collection will be on view for the upcoming exhibition Layered Abstraction: Quilting and Contemporary Fiber Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art from March 10 - August 26. This exhibition explores the relationship between contemporary fiber artists and American folk quilts. The artists featured in this exhibition explore the personal expression through references to traditional textile art, drawing inspiration from the quilt's geometric structure, contrasting, often bold color and fabric combinations, and decorative layers of stitches.

The first dress dress (1960-1969, Gift of La Vonne Collisson) by Mila Schön uses the same techniques and aesthetic that are used in patchwork quilts. The regularity of the
stripes provide a unifying element despite the many different fabrics used. Mila Schön (1916-2008) began her career in 1958, working in a high-fashion atelier in Milan, eight years later she opened her own boutique. The house of Mila Schön is now owned by the fashion group Mariella Burani, although Schön continued personally to supervise the
designs of the business she had founded.

The second dress by Gideon Oberson (Gift of Margot Siegel) dates from the same time period as the Schon dress. The silhouette of the dress is simple but it's construction is highly complex with strong design elements of geometric insets. Oberson is one of Israel's leading designers and now specializes in swimwear.

Both of these pieces use abstract shapes and pattern quilted together, creating bold and unique results. To see more photos of these or other pieces, search GMD's Digital Database, and be sure to check out Layered Abstraction: Quilting and Contemporary Fiber Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art from March 10 - August 26.

By Jenny Parker: GMD Graduate Assistant, and
Eunice Haugen: GMD Registrar