Gee’s Bend is a rural, predominantly African American community southwest of Selma, Alabama, located on a peninsula created by dramatic bends in the Alabama River. The quilters of Gee’s Bend are widely known for the commanding visual presence of their work. Their compositions vary from minimalist constructions to intricately pieced geometries—often with unpredictable sequences of patterns, bold colors, and a fearless resistance to rigid grids. For many, their inventive improvisations suggest jazz riffs and bring to mind the innovations of 20th century modernism. 

 

Beginning in 2002, the exhibition “The Quilts of Gee’s Bend,” brought of Gee’s Bend quilters to the attention of the public throughout the country. Their work appeared in major museums that included the Whitney Museum of American Art, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., and the de Young Museum, San Francisco, among many other venues. In 2006 Gee’s Bend quilts were featured as part of the American Treasures postage stamps series, highlighting American masters.

 

Linda Day Clark began photographing the Gee’s Bend community in 2002 on assignment as a freelance photographer for The New York Times. She continues to return to Gee’s Bend as a documentary photographer, capturing the life of the community, it’s rural landscape, and the quilters. She stays with quilter Mary Lee Bendolph, sleeps under the quilts, and listens to their stories. Linda Day Clark’s photographs offer an intimate view of Gee’s Bend.