Norma Slabbert

Hamilton, New Zealand/Aotearoa  

This work was inspired by the chaos in Robert Rauschenberg’s 1955 paint splattered bed as well as reports of New Zealand family life.

The bottom half of the work – like the Rauschenberg Bed – is based on the Log Cabin quilt pattern. Traditionally, the pattern was named after log houses – thus the design of the blocks is ‘built’ of fabric strips.  

The central square of the Log Cabin block is usually bright red, alluding to the fire in the hearth. But the close association between quilt and cabin or home is just a set-up.  

While non-threatening, colourful cloth makes this piece worthy of closer inspection, it draws you there before the needle pricks.  

Magazine images, fusible web, cotton, batting