The Log Cabin series of Luke Haynes explores the intersection of quilting and sculpture, drawing inspiration from Donald Judd’s 100 untitled works in mill aluminum. This series comprises 50 quilts, each 90 inches square, created within strict constraints. Using the log cabin block as a foundation—often considered the first repeatable quilting block—he’s designed iterations with red centers and black-and-white used textiles. The variations highlight the graphic nature of quilting, with the materiality and history of repurposed garments adding layers of meaning.
By framing these quilts as objects rather than functional textiles, they challenge preconceptions of quilts as private or utilitarian. The quilts were hung originally in a forest-like arrangement, inviting viewers to walk among them. The immersive installation emphasized the scale and concept of the project, evoking the overwhelming experience of breadth and repetition. While the initial impact is visual and spatial, closer examination reveals intricate patterns, materials, and stories embedded in each piece.
The installation of six quilts at Palos Verdes Art Center seeks to elevate quilts as sculptural forms, stripping away narrative components to focus on material, medium, and the dialogue between craft and contemporary art.
Return to 9 x 9: Contemporary Quilts & Containers HERE.
