Rumi's Dance

Year1976

Classification textile

Medium hooked uncut pile, wool and linen

Dimensions168 x 168 in. (426.7 x 426.7 cm)
approximately: 115 lb. (52.2 kg)

Credits Commissioned through the Art in Architecture Program
Fine Arts Collection
U.S. General Services Administration

Commissioned to create a tapestry for the Portland federal building’s front lobby, artist Jack Youngerman collaborated with noted tapestry expert Gloria F. Ross (1923–1998) to translate his bold design into fiber. The composition’s central yellow shape is surrounded by swirling red forms that are anchored by more subdued green elements in each corner of the deep blue field. The green elements also interrupt the tapestry’s primary-color triad of yellow, red and blue. For many years, Youngerman had been intrigued by the writings of the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic Rumi. The tapestry’s whirling forms and vibrant colors, balanced by a strong underlying structure, recall a dervish dance pattern and prompted Youngerman to title the piece Rumi’s Dance.