Irene Williams

Place: Gee's Bend

Born: 1920

Death: 2015

Biography:

Early Life and Inspiration

, an American artist from Gee's Bend, Alabama, was born in 1920. Her upbringing on a farm with her family, who raised livestock and grew crops like cotton and watermelon, would later influence her unique quilting style.

Quilting in Solitude

Williams began making quilts after marrying Cornelius Williams and starting a family. Unlike other quilters of her time, she worked in solitude, uninfluenced by her peers. This self-directed approach led to the development of her distinct style, which would eventually be recognized by prestigious institutions.

Notable Quilts and Exhibitions

* Strips, created around 1960, deconstructs used basketball jerseys to form a quilt that mimics a street map. * Vote, a housetop-style quilt featuring red, white, and blue fabric strips with the word "vote" printed on them, was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1965 visit to Gee's Bend. * Blocks and Strips, featuring bright colors and irregular geometric shapes, is part of the permanent collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Legacy and Collections

Williams' work has been exhibited at various museums, including:

• Irene Williams | Wikioo.org
• Museum of Fine Arts Boston: Featuring Vote Quilt as part of their collection.
• National Gallery of Art: Includes several of Williams' quilts in their collection, as part of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation acquisition.
• Irene Williams - Wikipedia