BAMPFA, responding to the revocation of federal grants by the Trump administration, embarked on a significant exhibition, 'Rooted West,' celebrating African American textile traditions. This initiative honors a bequest of over 3,000 quilts from Eli Leon, a notable archive. Featuring works primarily from Black women associated with the Bay Area, the exhibition showcases quilts as artistic expressions, embodying personal and collective histories. The project illustrates the enduring vitality of quilts in African American life while acknowledging their role in art history, aiming to elevate their significance within broader cultural narratives.
"Embracing its role as a cultural steward, BAMPFA is committed to honoring an art form that has long been marginalized in mainstream art history."
"Rooted West features 100 quilts by approximately 80 makers, primarily Black women, many with ties to the Bay Area, asserting their work not merely as craft, but as profound artistic expression."
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