Ubiquitous, endless, and culturally chameleonic, the meander, or self-avoiding line, winds its way through time. It traverses Ancient Greek pottery, Zapotec architecture, Imperial Chinese woodwork, and Navajo weaving. It animates surfaces, defines boundaries, fills space. Known variously as a Greek or Chinese key, fret, running dog, or Xicalcoliuhqui, it shows up today on tilework, coffee cups, and clothing — and in art. More than a decorative motif, the meander is metaphor and method, an unstudied artistic generator.
