Study for Hooked Rug (From Connections), 1983

Anni (Annelise) Albers is regarded as being a significant influence on the renaissance of abstract weaving as a viable and impressive art-form. Her work mainly consisted of textiles and prints in bold colors with a focus on geometric patterns.

Using experimental materials, including metallic thread and horsehair yarn, Anni Albers was is considered the first artist to combine avant-garde geometric abstractions and weaving, an impressive feat for an artist who chose weaving due to it being one of the few accessible disciplines available to women in the early 20th century.

Interesting to note is the evolution of Albers’ work following her move from Berlin to the United States where she found inspiration from pre-Columbian textiles which she incorporated into her later works. Where she originally focused on using old, largely forgotten techniques to create functional and aesthetically pleasing weavings, her later career saw her focus more on creating prints and drawings, with her growing reputation allowing her the freedom to chose commissions she felt passionate about.