Colors of the Oasis: Central Asian Ikats (image copyright The Textile Museum)
I went to check this show out last week with a friend. We had also intended to go to the Phillips Collection which was FREE to the public last weekend to celebrate their 90th, but alas the line was insanely long so that didn’t happen! It was okay because I’d had this exhibit on my to-see list for way too long. I admit that sometimes I take the Textile Museum for granted and don’t get as excited about some of the more traditional exhibits, boy was I wrong about this one! I just thought it would be another nice Ikat exhibit (right~ you know I’m a textile designer when I say that) but it was so much better than I had anticipated! Look at the COLORS, wow! No wonder they called it Colors of the Oasis.
Colors of the Oasis: Central Asian Ikats (image copyright The Textile Museum)
This exhibit showcases 19th century Ikats from central Asia. The collection (of over 200 Ikats but not all are on view was donated to the Textile Museum by collector Murad Megalli. This is the first time this collection has been on view for the public and many of the pieces were beautifully restored.
Colors of the Oasis: Central Asian Ikats (image copyright The Textile Museum)
They chose such a fantastic color for the walls to offset this collection. I can’t say I’ve ever really noticed the walls at an art exhibit but this color really does the collection justice. These warp ikat designs are characterized by vibrant colors (with a lot of primary’s used) and bold, rather large scale motif’s with quite a bit of contrast.
Colors of The Oasis: Central Asian Ikats (copyright The Textile Museum)
I would love to really be able to study the motifs and color combination’s used more closely, it was so inspiring. It’s no wonder these magnificent textiles were a sign of prestige and status in the Oasis towns of Central Asia. 
The exhibit also featured a small display and video explaining the technique and process used to create warp Ikat designs. These were contributed by students at MICA’s Fibers department. The exhibit is also accompanied by an in depth exhibit catalog (that I would LOVE to have!). I’ve been a member of The Textile Museum for the past 5 years and I’d greatly encourage you to donate or join if you are inclined to value the research and exhibitions in textiles that this world class museum provides.
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