The first United States exhibition of works from the Khalili Swedish marriage textile collection was unveiled yesterday at the Boston University Art Gallery.
The textiles explored a mythical theme and included images of supernatural horses, reindeers and birds. The pieces also included floral and decorative patterned imagery. The busy patterns’ rich color attracted much interest from observers.
Dr. Nasser David Khalili, who held the collection until its unveiling at BU, has two sons who are undergraduates in BU’s art history department. They spoke at the opening and explained their father’s mission to expose and exhibit this collection for public appreciation.
‘The ultimate owner of everything is God, we are only temporary custodians,’ said one of Khalili’s sons, speaking for all three of them.
The Khalili collection is the most complete and well-preserved collection of Swedish textiles, and ranges from small cushion covers to wall-length tapestries. The textiles were an integral part of a bride’s dowry, said Stacey McCarroll, the gallery director, in a statement.
McCarroll also said the hand-woven textiles began as a tradition in the mid-18th century in Sweden that was carried on from mother to daughter to create a relatively unknown artistry depicting the ‘fertility and long life, and a sense of hope and joy.’
Cathy Lysy, an Metropolitan College advisor, described the work as ‘a welcome, unique exhibit for the new academic year.’ Lysy said although the pieces are almost 200 years old, they have remained well intact.
‘We must appreciate the vibrancy of the colors,’ Lysy said. ‘It’s amazing it has been preserved so well.’
Benjamin Khalili described his father’s exhibition as ‘a tribute to the artists.’
The gallery opening ‘became a very heartwarming experience to pay tribute to these woman, their dedication and their love for each other,’ said CFA student Tara Kirmse.
Many other BU students, faculty members and interested public also attended. CFA graduate student Lindsay Mcculloch said she was excited to have such a collection at her school.
‘[It’s] a real treat and privilege for our university,’ she said.
This story has been corrected since its original posting.