Many contemporary quilters have found in African American quilts a source of expressiveness and creative freedom that was sometimes lacking in more traditional patchwork practices. Improvised cuts, bold color contrasts, intentionally distorted blocks, and the reuse and recycling of fabrics all contribute to an aesthetic that encourages a more spontaneous and personal approach. This influence has also fostered the emergence of politically and socially engaged quilts, which have become powerful mediums for both artistic and political expression.
