Romare Bearden: Patchwork Quilt

How Beardens landmark quilt exemplifies his complex art and rich legacyRomare Beardens (191188) Patchwork Quilt (1970) is a monumental collage that proves the artists mastery of his signature medium. Acquired by the Museum of Modern Art the year it was made, the work has become a landmark in Beardens career. But his path to creating it, to embracing collage, and to making work that addresses the specifics of Black life in America in ways that are both specific and broadly accessible, was a long one. Beardens early career is characterized by broad experimentation with materials and visual styles, as well as major life events that led away from a visual arts practice. In this latest volume of the MoMA One on One series, curator Esther Adler explores Beardens search for his artistic voice, illustrated by the breadth of different works in the museums collection. A close reading of Patchwork Quilt, its sources and materiality, further emphasize the artists unwavering commitment to both his art and community, a combination that has led to his centrality in mid-20th century art.