The article profiles 20th-century textile artist Ethel Stein, who remained largely unrecognized during her lifetime despite creating technically rigorous weavings. A new exhibition titled "Master of the Loom" at New York's Sapar Contemporary (on view through November 17) showcases her geometric, rhythmic works. Stein, who studied under Josef Albers at the Bauhaus and designed a unique loom now held by the Art Institute of Chicago, also had a playful side: she began her career as a puppeteer and created the puppet that became Lamb Chop, the beloved character performed by Shari Lewis on PBS. The exhibition highlights works such as "Rust Abstract," "Indigo 25," and "Black and White," which demonstrate her mastery of complex weaving structures and geometric abstraction.
This article matters because it brings overdue attention to a significant but overlooked figure in mid-century fiber art, placing Stein alongside renowned artists like Anni Albers, Lenore Tawney, and Dora Jung. The exhibition not only introduces Stein's work to a wider audience but also supports the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Department of Textile Conservation and accessibility programs, as two-thirds of sales proceeds are donated to these causes. Stein's story underscores the ongoing effort to recognize women artists and craft-based practitioners who were marginalized by the mainstream art world, and her connection to a beloved cultural icon like Lamb Chop adds a compelling layer to her legacy.