Alt-Quilts at the American Folk Art Museum is a tiny exhibit with rich delights.  Several quilts from the mid 1800s set up the contemporary quilts by three artists.  Note how the geometry makes the quilt look as if it were three dimensional.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because I’m intrigued by how artists trick our eyes, I particularly like the work of Luke Haynes.  Look at how he creates an anamorphic illusion.  Can you make out Benjamin Franklin who appears to be sitting up in bed?  Ironically, the trompe l’oeil only works when the quilt lies flat on the bed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our eyes are fooled by the ingenious use of line.  Al Hirschfeld made really good use of line.  With the simple stroke, he could depict a character or create a stage set.  No wonder he was the go-to guy for every opening night in New York.  If you like his work or feel nostalgic for the 20th-century Greats of theater, music, and dance, don’t miss the Line King exhibit at New York Public Library’s Performing Arts Branch.

 

 
Look at how he captures the essence of the story.  I instantly recognized “Guys and Dolls” and “Waiting for Godot.”  No need for a label.  His genius included bringing the spirit of the show working in only two dimensions, not unlike the quilt artists.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The line may be a visual shorthand, but it’s so much more, too.  Here are a few more of my favorites…