SAN DIEGO, CA.- The San Diego Museum of Art announces the arrival of Quilts and Color from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, an exhibition that explores sophisticated principles of color theory in the design of quilts ranging from the 19th century to the early 20th century. Quilts and Color features forty-five quilts with dazzling colors and striking patterns from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston’s acclaimed Pilgrim/Roy Quilt Collection. The exhibition is on view at The San Diego Museum of Art from May 28 through September 4, 2016.

Arranged according to aspects of color theory, Quilts and Color begins with the vivid designs that first attracted the attention of the collectors, Gerald Roy and the late Paul Pilgrim, and started their life-long passion. The various sections focus on color contrasts, chromatic vibrations, mixtures, gradations, and harmonies in the quilt designs, and examine innovative optical effects of shape and color, as well as creative variations on more traditional quilt patterns.

The majority of quilts in this collection were made before 1900 and created by mostly anonymous women from Amish and Mennonite communities who sought an opportunity to express themselves artistically. While most of the designs adhere to classic American quilting patterns, their bold compositions are comparable to the groundbreaking work of later 20th century Abstract Expressionist and Op Art pioneers. None of these quiltmakers had such training. Rather, they understood innately how to compose quilts with dynamic, pleasing, and challenging color combinations.

Looking at quilts in their formal terms became possible only after the acceptance of abstract art during the mid-20th century. Beginning in the late 1960s, Roy and Pilgrim were at the forefront of collecting quilts following these principles. Over the next five decades, they passionately amassed one of the finest collections in the world, totaling over 1,000 quilts from across the United States.

“This exhibition celebrates vibrant color and inventive design, and we are thrilled to offer visitors a rare opportunity to see these exquisite works of traditional American craftsmanship in a fine arts context,” said Roxana Velásquez, Maruja Baldwin Executive Director of The San Diego Museum of Art. “Quilts and Color is unlike anything The San Diego Museum of Art has done before, and is sure to be a revelation to experts and amateurs alike.”

Developed by the MFA, Boston, the exhibition has been organized in San Diego by Dr. Ariel Plotek, Associate Curator of Modern Art at The San Diego Museum of Art. Quilts and Color will be accompanied by a range of programming, including a themed Culture & Cocktails, Painting on Tap, Film in the Garden, as well as a lecture for members of the Museum led by Dr. Plotek.