Cultural Activism

One of the foremost crochet artists of today is Xenobia Bailey, who creates beautifully intricate mandalas and other art installations. Her work shows influences of African, Native American, and Eastern cultures. In our interview with her in 2014, she said her most important influence was 1970s Funk flavor, because "its important that African American artists can draw on their own traditions." She also pointed out that crochet costs very little, and so it fits with the social movements of the 1970s, showing that great art can come from working class orgins.

Xenobia Bailey at an exhibit of her work in Manhattan.

This work titled "Trilogy" shows the keen sense of algorithms Bailey brings to her work.

Actor Samuel Jackson wearing one of Bailey's hats in "Do The Right Thing."