"Linen Lean-To" tapestry bas-relief, 1967–68
Sheila Hicks (American, born 1934)
Linen; H. 59 1/8 in. (150 cm), W. 82 3/4 in. (210 cm), D. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 1986 (1986.7)
Technical Glossary
Sheila Hicks (American, born 1934)
Linen; H. 59 1/8 in. (150 cm), W. 82 3/4 in. (210 cm), D. 6 in. (15.2 cm)
Purchase, Anonymous Gift, 1986 (1986.7)
Textile designer Sheila Hicks is best known for large-scale, traditionally made, three-dimensional fiberwork wall hangings. On this tapestry, ponytail-like tassels made from bleached linen thread hang down in randomly overlapped layers, creating a luxuriantly thick, soft-white relief. The artist conceived the work in 1967–68 after a winter trip to Normandy, France, where she saw houses with snow piled high on the roofs. She successfully re-creates the effect of this compelling sight with a totally unsuspected material.
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