"Indigo Agbada" Kite by Michael Thompson

Chicago-based artist Michael Thompson creates unique kites crafted from split bamboo frames covered with stretched muslin and a collage of vintage Asian ephemera—including fragments of fabric, scrolls, drawings, and books collected during his travels. In this monumental kite, Thompson displays an early 20th century Nigerian agbada garment to fantastic graphic effect. Preserving the garment's dense embroidery, Thompson arranges the decorative elements into a single gestural motion, anchored by the highly patterned bird-like figure in the corner. Making careful use of color and texture, this brilliant indigo kite is a straightforward yet impactful composition of found elements.

Thompson has earned an international reputation for his kite works, an engrossing project initiated by the artist more than a decade ago.