The American Folk Art Museum in Manhattan is currently presenting an exhibit titled “Playing with Design, Gameboards, Art and Culture”. These mid to late 19th century hand painted game boards feature geometric patterns that seem to be a precursor to 20th century hard edge abstraction.

This “ Nine men’s Morris” board not only possesses 4 -old rotational symmetry it features an interesting composition based on squares. The board is divided into four squares. The interior square is again divided in four squares. Process continues through two more interactions to achieve this striking pattern.

This painting is on a rougher wood with a wider color pallet. The use of equilateral triangles form  a diamond rhomboid pattern.

This exhibition reminds us that use of geometric forms in art and design has been part of our visual language throughout history. The makers of these game boards have incorporated sophisticated mathematical patterning into objects for everyday use and enjoyment.

Susan Happersett