While inside the archives, we were shown several visual works by Clementine Hunter. Through most of our research into the archives and as a class, we took a focus onto the literature of the Black Arts Movement. However, just as important are the visual mediums that were created as well.
Before we had come to the archives, we read the story “Everyday Use” by Alice Walker. In that story, several quilts are mentioned as items to be displayed, or to be used as part of every day. Thinking of that story while looking over this, this particular piece [I believe] was meant to be displayed as an art piece. Hunter created it from various fabrics and scraps, as when you turn over the quilt, on the back you can see the bag material that was used. It is meant to display the story of Melrose Plantation. This quilt was also created on Melrose Plantation, once it was refurbished into an artist retreat!
I have a bit of a background in visual mediums, although not quilting specifically, but it was so interesting getting to see another important storytelling medium used that’s not just literature.
Great work, Fletcher. This quilt is also dated circa 1970, which places it in the heart of the Black Arts era. Even if Clementine Hunter wasn’t necessarily a part of that movement, her focus on the depiction of Black lives is certainly aligned with that aspect of the movement.