If you’re looking for a bit of textile inspiration, check out the Brooklyn Art Museum. They have some wonderful pieces to inspect – like this Ted Hallman wall hanging from 1965. Hillman is an American artist who was a true vanguard in mixed media and textile development in the late 1950’s. He would combine natural fibers with acrylic, then experiment weaving them together.

This elevator door was designed by the American artist, Louis Henry Sullivan and is from the Chicago Stock Exchange in 1893. It’s thought that Sullivan’s work was simplified by his most famous disciple, Frank Lloyd Wright – as his other wrought iron works were more intricate. It’s pretty remarkable who relevant and almost current this pattern is today.

If you head up to the fifth floor, you’ll find a robust library of African textiles. While these patterns may seem similar, they represent varied political, social, religious and personal beliefs. Each repeat conveys wealth, power, ideas and artistic styles from across the continent. This section was complimented by a large series of videos, sculptures and cultural paintings.