Working on some new versions of ribbons called a cockade. The word cockade derives from the French cocarde, from Old French coquarde, feminine of coquard (vain, arrogant), from coc (cock), of imitative origin. The earliest documented use was in 1709. Often used to signal nationality, has served as a revolutionary symbol. In the US- cockades – usually made with blue ribbons and worn on clothing or hats – were widespread tokens of Southern support for secession preceding the American Civil War of 1861–1865 but I’m reclaiming that shit.
#cockade #quilt
This week, we visit The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and our interviewer Alexandra Robinson speaks with curators Arden Decker and Cindy Peña about the exhibition, Frida: The Making of an Icon. The exhibition is on view through May 17, 2026.
Art This Week-Episode 413-Posted March 30, 2026
/art/exhibitions/frida-the-making-of-an-icon
https://youtu.be/THy7ZZglIMo
@alxrob@mfahouston@hollisartprof #frida #fridakahloart #arteducation #videointerview #curator
Ribbons in the wild. This one was made during the workshop I did for Woman and Their Work in 2022 while my show Delimitations: words to live by was on view.
Fun commission piece for some extra special friends. Some 18 yards of cyanotype processed, 5 yards got diluted by accident by my work study but we live life dangerously. It all got cut up and rearranged and appropriated into appliqué both flat and dimensional. Final dimensions: 12ft x 10ft of joy.
Pretty good week so far other than the world on 🔥- Blanton was a great family outing to see the new data/digital exhibit and my most favorite thing was the video by Surahbi Saraf. Over the weekend I was in Houston for an interview for @artthisweek for the Frida: making of an icon exhibition. Perk of a closed museum is seeing things without people in the way! The Ernesto Neto is soo good when people aren’t all over it.
Happiest of Birthdays to this kid! 16 trips around the sun. She brings such joy and a sharp tongue, curiosity and excitement to life. If you have her contact, send her a song!
Bill of Rights, 2018 punch holes on paper.
The first 10 amendments to the Constitution make up the Bill of Rights. Written by James Madison, the amendments list specific prohibitions on governmental power, in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties.
The idea of liberty is what I find so fascinating. Does it depend on which identity you speak? That of men, women, child, town, city, or state, or the underprivileged person? The very nature of the code is just that, code. Code for what, for whom? If you can decipher then perhaps you can gain? Is this a secret message to share? The exercise of punching the amendments into paper is a violent act. The repetition and the formation does nothing to avail meaning. Just accepting the title is an act of trust.
#billofrights #wethepeople #latinaartist #morsecode #drawing
2025 was an interesting year and I’m glad it’s coming to an end. There was a lot of imminent transition that felt abrupt and hard but this year the change was made final. I have learned about myself, which is good -two things (for now): 1) i can trust my gut which i knew but i really know it now 2) i like doing things with others. My work life is energized as well as full of turmoil as is every higher ed inst., wish us luck! Home life is awesome - kids are fun- harder to access but great to watch become older teens. We’ve hiked, concerted, ate a Gluten Free life with minor errors, we know how to not freak out in the face of scary shit (for the most part) like the ER….but I really don’t want that badge. I have watched my dad and mom transition to new parts of their lives and I’ve been lucky to visit with them a lot this year. I got to make art, share it and curate, got to interview artists, see friends, visit other places and talk to students around the country. Ben and I got to have some real convos about lots of shit as we watched things happen around us. I’m saddened my girls have fewer rights than I did. I’m saddened my community, my students and my kids and their friends are dealing with repercussions of the current 🍊administrati0n.
I have no idea what 2026 has in store but I’m excited for the new year because for the first time in years I have energy to face it.
