As a professor of fabric art at the University of Georgia, Kaufman is fascinated by the diversity and history of fabric. The title of the piece in this exhibit refers to a style of clothing often seen on statues from the ancient civilization of Mesopotamia. The spreading skirt-like garment appears on statues
of both men and women from this era. The pattern of overlapping, petal-shaped wool tufts were sewn onto a woven garment or woven as loops into the fabric and simulated the curling fur of fleece. The combination of an ancient garment style and an ultra modern material provide a visual synopsis of the history of the central role fabric has played in civilization.

First working with plastic material in the early 1960’s, Kaufman is known for experimenting with man-made materials. In contrast to his earlier more labor-intensive work, his current creations are quick and loose, and refer to the history of the garment as a covering for the body, calling attention to its sculptural and performance roles. His work has moved off the wall to incorporate installation, dancers, fabric, video and performance.