The square is never square.

Initiation shirt from Burkina Faso, mid to late 20th century, a centrepiece of the exhibition "Magic Squares" at the Textiles Museum of Canada

Squares can even be hip. Squares embrace the greatest games. They defy architects. They make art. Black Square by Kazimir Malevich, a vibrant black square on a white ground, is among the most famous paintings in 20th century art. Being square is now even politically correct at least in Stephen Harper country.

Yet few of the squares we’re likely to encounter carry the depth of meaning found in “Magic Squares,” a multimedia, multi-sensory show at the Textile Museum of Canada, based on clothing patterns found in Islamic Africa. At a time when museums aim to out-wow each other with high profile shows, this one is definitely anti-wow. It’s got soul, although that’s not obvious going in. Read more